1. State-Building in Eurasia Aim: How did 16 th -18 th century Absolutism change the nature of the state? In what ways did it establish a model for modern states?

2. Case Study: Spain Philip II of Spain (ruled 1556-98)

3. Key Features of Philip’s rule: Spain had great wealth, a huge empire, a powerful army Spain used Christianity as a tool of conquest Philip centralized government, but didn’t delegate power - a “must” for a successful bureaucracy Philip’s ambitions outran his empire’s capabilities

4. Historical/Geographical background Spain was united only in 1492 Through marriage, Philip’s father, Charles V (ruled 1519-56), inherited “Habsburg” lands throughout Europe

5. Historical/Geographical background Charles V left his son Philip all but German lands.

6. An unusual conquest laid the ground for Spain’s “Golden Age” Expansion through colonial conquest in the Americas - silver brought great wealth

7. When the Portuguese king died without an heir, Philip added Portugal and its American, African and Asian colonies - and the spice trade A Vast Overseas Empire

8. A diverse and far-flung empire with Spain at its heart Spain was itself only recently united (1492) Portugal spoke a different language Italy was also geographically separate The Netherlands also had a different religion American colonies were far removed, although colonial elites thought of themselves as Spanish

9. Centralization of Power: Spain’s Government and Bureaucracy Established councils for state affairs, finance, war, and the Inquisition Appointed viceroys and other bureaucrats to rule in his name, replacing nobility Phillip was a “micro-manager” - even small decisions needed his approval

10. Religion United and Divided Philip saw himself as chief defender of Catholicism against Protestantism and Islam. Many of his European wars had a religious overtone. He asserted the idea of “divine right” – his authority to rule came directly from God. Inquisition -- persecution of non-Catholics was used to unite empire but also sparked Dutch revolt

13. Religion United and Divided Philip married England’s Catholic Queen Mary - alliance ended with Mary’s death Mary’s Protestant half-sister Elizabeth rejected Philip’s marriage proposals - ultimately, led to war and the “Spanish Armada”

14. Philip’s Military Fiasco: the Spanish Armada Attempt to invade England Huge fleet was outclassed by smaller but faster and more maneuverable English ships

15. Many Wars, Great Expenditures Major Wars with: Results: Ottomans (1560-85) Inconclusive Dutch (1560-1620)Defeat English (1580-1604)Inconclusive France (1590-98)Inconclusive Philip’s ambitions exceeded even Spain’s vast resources

16. Financial Ruin for Spain Not a good “mercantilist” Spent American silver to finance wars Heavy taxes on manufacturers and farmers Failed to develop the Spanish economy and manufacturing, causing inflation Borrowed money from Dutch bankers At his death, 40% of all Spanish revenue was spent on interest payments.

17. Strengths/Successes of Philip’s Absolutist rule Expanded empire in the Americas Money poured into Spain from empire Preserved Catholicism as the largest branch of Christianity Used Catholicism to unify most of empire Centralization necessary to rule such a far flung empire

18. Weaknesses/Failings Too many wars –Put religious interests ahead of unity –Hurt the economy of Spain Ego and ambitions far outpaced resources Inadequate bureaucracy for empire’s size –Did not delegate enough power to subordinates –Bottlenecks of decision-making slowed responses