Steven Cherry, Group #3: 2000 Exam Thematic Essay: “ Leadership determine the fate of a country” Evaluate this quotation in terms of Spain’s experience under Phillip II. Critical Trigger Words: The quotation is key. Evaluate (Analyze), Terms of Spain’s experience under Phillip II (16 th century rise and what Phillip did that resulted in their fall) Two Step Direction Phrase: Focus not only on the pillars of Spanish power but also on the decisions Phillip made that were essential in Spanish decline.

Introduction: Introduction During the second half of the sixteenth century Spain was the number one power in Europe under the control and leadership of Phillip II. The pillars of Spanish power were: New World riches. Increased population. Efficient Bureaucracy and Military. Supremacy in the Mediterranean. We will be discussing the obstacles and decisions Phillip made that resulted in the demise of the Spanish Empire. They were: The revolts in the Netherlands, his interest in England, and the rise of Protestantism.

Introduction In the second half of the sixteenth century, the number one power in the world was Spain under the control of Phillip II. The pillars to their power was New World riches, increased population, an efficient bureaucracy and military, and their supreme influence in the Mediterranean. We will be discussing the obstacles and decisions that Phillip made that were essential in the demise in the Spanish Empire. The revolts of the Netherland, their affairs with the British, and the rise of Protestantism all were major players in the decline of the Spanish Empire.

Body One Phillip II with the Netherlands The Netherlands was the richest area in not only Phillip's empire, but in Europe. The merchant towns in the Netherlands were also Calvinist strongholds. The people of the Netherlands were exposed to variety and tolerations rather than monarchial order. France and Britain's aid in the revolt in the Netherlands drew Phillip into wars with the English and the France which he lost and it strengthened the Netherlands and they gained their independence.

Body One The Netherlands was an important asset to the Spanish Empire. It was not only the richest area in Europe, it was the richest area in the whole of Europe. The merchant towns of the Netherlands were Calvinist strongholds. The Netherlands were influenced by variety and toleration rather than monarchial order. France and Britain’s help in the Netherlands revolt drew Phillip into wars with the English and the French that he didn’t win and that helped strengthen the Dutch and helped them gain their independence.

Body Two Phillip II with the English Phillip had long wanted a tie with the British monarch. He thought it will help spread his Catholic ideas and help with his attempt to become a world power. In 1558, when Elizabeth became queen Phillip’s dream of a British and Spanish tie disappeared. Elizabeth was an ideal leader who Protestant and refused Phillip’s hand in marriage. A series of Events led to a war between the English and the Spanish. The war ended with a Spanish defeat at sea in This marked the decline of the Spanish Empire.

Body Two Phillip had an interest in creating a tie with the British monarch. This tie would help him spread his Catholic ideas and help him acquire a world empire. Elizabeth ended Phillip quest to develop a tie between the two monarchs. Elizabeth was an ideal leader who was Protestant and she refused to accept Phillip’s hand in marriage. A series of Events led Spain into a war with the English. The war resulted in a Spanish defeat in This marked the decline of the Spanish empire.

Body Three Phillip II vs. the rise of Protestantism Phillip II was the Catholic enforcer in Europe at the time and since the reformation there has been a rise in Protestantism in Europe. Especially in the Netherlands where the merchant cities were strongholds for the Calvinist. Also, in France and in Britain Protestantism was increasing rapidly. Phillip II had some success suppressing the growing religion, but not for long. Just like always Phillip was defeated and he lost territory and most importantly he lost money. This played a major in the demise on the Spanish in the sixteenth century.

Body Three Phillip II was a dedicated Catholic. He was the catholic warrior on the continent and since the reformation there has been a rapid rise in Protestantism. Especially in the Netherlands where the merchant towns where Calvinist. Also, in France and in Britain Protestantism was growing rapidly. Phillip did have some success in suppressing the opposing religion, but not for long. Just like always Phillip was defeated and he lost territory, but most importantly he lost money. This played a major role in the demise of the Spanish.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead... Phillip II in the second half of the sixteenth century was the most powerful emperor in the world. Just like the quotes says all of Phillip’s decisions had terrible repercussions and they all played a part in the demise of the Spanish Empire. So leadership did determine the country's fate. The Spanish decline lead to another country dominating the continent in the seventeenth and parts of the eighteenth century. This country is France.

Conclusion As said before, Phillip II in the second half of the 1500s was the most powerful emperor in the world. Just like the quote says all of Phillip’s decisions had terrible repercussions and they all played a part in the demise of the Spanish Empire. So leadership did determine the country's fate. The Spanish decline led to an increase in French influence over the continent. This is when France became the number one power in Europe.

Miscellaneous: Look at the essay in three steps. Describe how Phillip’s conflict with the Netherlands played a part in the fate of the country. Phillip and how the war with England also was essential in the fate of the once great Spanish empire. Lastly, since Phillip was the epitome of a Catholic elaborate on how the rise of Protestantism played a role in the fate of the Spanish Empire.