Daily Reading

1516 @ age 16 a sick Charles became King of Spain, considered foreigner due to being born in Belgium, raised by Austrian relatives and only spoke French. Quickly mastered Spanish and many other languages , spoke “Spanish to God, Italian to women, French to men, and German to his horse”. Ruled as absolute monarch – ruler whose power was not limited by having to consult with nobles, common people, or their representatives. Believed ruled by divine right – believed power came from god, must not be challenged Absolute monarchs imposed their will all across Europe, In Spain Charles struggled to keep territories within his empire under control Charles I

Charles V Glue In

King Charles also inherited lands of Belgium/Netherlands/colonies in America. 1519 throne of Holy Roman Empire became vacant. Position was elective, Charles borrowed money to buy the votes, became Emperor Charles V., empire became so large stated “the sun never set over it” Faced enemies from all sides of the empire Ottoman Turks, the French, rebellious German princes The protestant movement also faced him as an enemy, why? TPS Emperor Charles V

His power closely tied to power of Catholic church, growing Protestant movement threatened his influenced. 1521 confronted Martin Luther, declaring him an outlaw, edict of worms Rebellions began and years of devastating wars between Catholics/Protestants Charles V signed Peace of Augsburg – gave each German prince the right to decide whether his state would be Catholic or Protestant Charles dream of an all Catholic Europe never happened and wars led him to near bankruptcy

Success in the Americas During reign Spanish explorers claimed much of Americas for Spain. Cortes conquered the Aztec Empire and Coronado explored the American Southwest. What rewards did Charles gain? New lands, Gold!!! Bolivia, Peru, Mexico brought Spain fabulous wealth 1556 Charles was frustrated by his European failures and divided his empire between his brother and son (Phillip II). Lived rest of life in a Spanish monastery.

Create a Facebook page for an absolute monarch Pick any European absolute monarch 1500-1700. Insert a picture of your figure Include a title/name Where spent most of their life Marriage life details DOB/DOD Picture/Outline of their governing territory List two people that they would be friends with & why A few effects of life under their monarchy as if posted to their facebook wall. Be creative, use unique ideas, and provide in depth information on your monarch.

Partner Questions/Answers In what ways was Charles V successful as an emperor? In what ways was he unsuccessful? Why did monarchs of this time believe their authority should never be questioned? Why do you think Charles V had more success in the Americas than in Europe?

One of the most prominent painters of the time was El Greco, had religious works that reflected Spain’s central role in the Counter-Reformation. Famous for elongated human figures. Greatest writer of the time was Miguel de Cervantes, most famous work Don Quixote de la Mancha, about a man caught between modern and medieval worlds. Art & Spain Golden Age 1550-1650

Phillip II Phillip brought Spain to it’s height, why do you think? Mainly due to the steady stream of gold from its American colonies. Strict Catholic saw himself as leader of the Catholic- Reformation. Married Queen Mary I of England who was also Catholic. But she passed before giving birth to an heir failing to return England to the Catholic faith. As he attempted to secure Catholicism in his territories clashed with the Calvinist Protestantism that was spreading. Bloody revolt began in 1560’s when Dutch refused to declare allegiance to Phillip. He sent Duke of Alba to punish them and he set up a court , locally “court of blood”, tortured and executed thousands of people suspected of being rebels. Did it solve the problem? Only made rebellions worse. 1609 truce formed. Seven northern provinces formed the nation of Netherlands.

Spain and England England was mainly………. Protestant, sent aids to the Dutch rebels. Infuriated Phillip but also worried about his ships. Queen Elizabeth I allowed her captains to attack Spanish treasure ships. Ship captains “sea dogs” stole gold and silver for England. Sir Francis Drake one of the most infamous, destroyed 30 ships in a Spanish harbor. Due to ship raids and wanting to return England to Catholicism invaded England in 1534. Navy assembled Spanish Armada , fleet of 130 ships 20,000 soldiers and sailors. Called invincible sailed to the English Channel in 1588. Too many attacks weakened the armada, English set eight ships on fire and aimed them at the remaining ships of the Armada, panicked the Spanish fled before the fire ships. Many ships wrecked on the way home proving to other not invincible

Spanish remained strong but England remained Protestant, defiant and undefeated. Phillip insisted on approving every decision for his empire himself Much suspicion and factions in his court due to his inability to trust anyone. Went bankrupt four times trying to fight everyone. Did not develop industries , relying instead on its traditional agriculture economy. Declined as a major power. Decline of the Empire

p. 595 assessment