Absolute Monarchs

Forceful single leader trying to control every aspect of society within their borders. Other monarchs started to claim authority to rule without limits. Divine Right Right to rule came from God, his representative. Only answer to God. No responsibility to subjects

Decline of feudalism, growth of cities and national kingdoms Need to centralize authority. Supported by growing middle classes Support for business and owners Church lost power after the Reformation Monarchs move in to fill the void.

17 th century a time of upheaval Religious and territorial conflicts Govt.’s built large armies, imposed heavy taxes. Monarchs take control over everything Helps to keep power Increase size of government Bureaucracy Lessened power of the nobility and parliaments.

Hapsburg Empire – German Family Greatest size under Charles V ( ) Inherited Spain, Austria and Netherlands from Grandparents on both sides princes elected him Holy Roman Emperor.

Difficult to retain control Charles, a devout Catholic tried to force respect of papal authority. Defender against Muslim & other heretics Spent riches fighting wars with France & Ottomans

Charles V gives up the throne Too big for one to rule divided between brother and son Ferdinand I (Brother)- Austria, Hungary & HRE Philip II (son) - Spanish Empire (with American colonies) & Netherlands

Ruled from Spain became the most powerful nation in Europe. Built new royal residence Escorial Palace Religious but aggressive for the nation. Seized Portugal in 1580 when king dies w/o heir. Empire now stretched around the world. Used Inquisition to end heresy in Spain

Defends Catholicism Religious wars all over Europe Thought defending his religion part of his duty. Defend against Muslims (Ottoman Empire) & Protestants (Europe) Pope calls princes to defend against Muslims sends large force defeats Ottoman fleet in Mediterranean Tries to attack Protestant England Come back to later.

Wars Borrowed money from German and Italian bankers to finance New shiploads of silver sent abroad to pay debts Philip II declares Spain bankrupt three times during is reign

Was a major trade center since Middle Ages. Spain ignored Dutch tradition of self rule. Resented Philip - he wanted that wealth to finance Spain’s Wars. Taxed them heavily Religious differences Spain – Catholic Netherlands – largely Calvinists Spain persecuted them Culturally the Dutch had little in common with Spanish.

Philip Tries to keep them in control Philip sends in 20,000 troops Over 6 years, 18,000 killed Seized Dutch property and imposed heavier taxes. William of Orange Wanted to free the Netherlands from Spain. Opened the dikes (levees) to flood the ‘lowlands’ Forced Spanish army to retreat.

1579 – Netherlands Split Spanish Netherlands 10 Southern provinces. Remain Catholic Dutch Netherlands 7 Northern provinces. Mainly Protestant.

Complete Religious Toleration Unusual for the time. Not a kingdom, but a republic Each province elected a governor Stable govt. allowed them to focus on economy.

Efficient Sailors Became European Financial center Netherlands replaced Florence as art center. Never forced Christianity on colonies

Growing population, shortage of goods Can not produce enough goods, must buy Cheaper to import, hurt local business’ and economy. Trying to push out heretics (Jews and others), Spain had driven out the business class. Spain suffers, many people leave.