Outside reading books need to be completed by 10/22… 20 days.

Spain under Philip II

Philip II of Spain (1527-1598) ruled 1556-1598 Under his rule, Spain reached the height of its influence and power, directing explorations all around the world and settling the colonization of territories in all the known continents.

Philip II of Spain (1527-1598) Defender of Catholicism against the spread of Protestantism Fought to retain control of the Netherlands War with England Fought against the Muslims in the Mediterranean & spread of Islam Involved Spain in the French civil war against Henry of Navarre and the Huguenots Spain became bankrupt under his reign

The Spanish Habsburgs & Europe (1556) Philip II controlled Spanish Habsburg lands at the end of the 16c.

Philip II’s European and Colonial possessions.

Catholicism in Territories Revolt in the Low Countries Spain under Philip II Spain at peak of grandeur with reign of Philip II One reason—stream of gold and silver from colonies in Americas With wealth came power—but gold could not solve Spain’s problems. King Philip II devout Catholic Saw himself as leader of Counter-Reformation Marriage to Queen Mary I of England chance to spread Catholicism Religion and Revolt Mary died before having heir to return England to Catholic faith Philip also wanted to secure position of Catholicism in European territories Catholicism in Territories Philip’s faith clashed with Calvinist Protestantism of northern Low Country provinces 1560s, bloody revolt began Revolt in the Low Countries

Reasons for Dutch Revolt Political: Dutch princes had become semi-autonomous. Charles V had previously ignored the Netherlands. Religious: Calvinism was becoming dominant religion in the Netherlands.

Reasons for Dutch Revolt Economic: The Netherlands was the trading and banking center of Europe. Merchants were very wealthy and influential. Spanish control limited their profits.

The Spanish Netherlands: Union of Utrecht, 1579 The United Provinces still recognized Spanish rule, but, in 1581, they declared their independence.

Dutch Independence 1581 Netherlands refused to declare allegiance to Philip II To punish them, Philip sent an army under command of the Duke of Alba

Dutch Independence 1581 Alba set up a court to reestablish Spanish control Known locally as Court of Blood Tortured, executed thousands suspected of being rebels Cruelties made situation worse; rebellion broke out anew

English Aid to the Netherlands The Dutch revolt deepened another rivalry, between Spain & England As fellow Protestants, England sent aid to Dutch rebels England felt that a Dutch defeat would open the door for a Spanish invasion of their country Queen Elizabeth’s aid to the Dutch infuriated Philip

Revolt dragged on for decades In 1609 a truce was reached Seven northern provinces formed independent nation, the Netherlands Southern provinces remained in Spanish hands

Netherlands today Belgium today Luxembourg today

English Attacks on Spanish Ships England’s Queen Elizabeth I allowed ship captains to attack Spanish treasure ships, and steal gold & silver for England. This was the period of government sponsored privateering.

Invasion Planned King Philip II wanted to stop England from raiding ships and return England to Catholic Church He decided to invade England

Spanish Armada Philip ordered his navy to assemble a great fleet, the Spanish Armada Totaled about 130 ships, 20,000 sailors & soldiers 1588- Spanish fleet sailed into English Channel Queen Elizabeth I rallied her navy and prepared for attack

Naval Battles Spanish packed ships with soldiers for land invasion They also planned to be joined by Spanish forces from the Netherlands The Spanish faced fierce naval battles that severely damaged fleet

Defeat of the Armada A Large storm had also crippled the Armada English aimed eight fire ships at remaining Spanish Spanish ships fled in panic & disarray As damaged ships made way home, several were wrecked

Defeat of the Armada The defeat of the Armada was not the end for Spain, which recovered from the loss. But England remained Protestant, defiant, and undefeated.

Spain’s Internal Problems Spain’s real problems were with the government Philip’s power was centralized; he trusted no one, limiting the influence of the nobility

Spain’s Internal Problems Court riddled by factions & suspicion Government action practically came to a standstill

Philip spent wealth from the Americas on constant warfare Colonies cause Spanish problems Philip spent wealth from the Americas on constant warfare He borrowed money often; went bankrupt four times. Prices were driven up by inflation

Colonies causes Spanish problems Spain did not develop their own industries- they had used their wealth to import from other nations.

Colonies causes Spanish problems Relying on a traditional agricultural economy, Spain’s economy lagged behind that of other countries. Spain declined as a major power.