CHAPTER 5, SECTION 1Spain’s Empire and European Absolutism

Charles V

Charles V is a Hapsburg (one of the most important ruling families in Europe)

He controls Spain, Spanish colonies, parts of Italy, Austria, and the Netherlands

He is elected Holy Roman Emperor, controls much of Germany

A Powerful Spanish Empire

Charles V is a devout Catholic; he eventually withdraws from the monarchy to become a monk.

Divides his empire between Ferdinand (his brother), and Philip II (his son)

Ferdinand-Austria and HRE Philip II-Spain, colonies, Netherlands

Philip II’s Empire

He is shy, serious, religious, hardworking, also can be suspicious

Aggressive-he seizes Portugal Immensely wealthy

Defender of Catholicism

Religious conflict is ongoing in Spain between Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, and Jews

Philip II tried to fight against Protestants and Muslims, felt it was his duty to protect Spain from non-Catholics

Golden Age of Spanish Art and Literature The Golden Age of Spanish art and

literature occurred during the 16th and 17th centuries

El Greco and Velazquez

El Greco “The Greek,” born in Crete He used bold colors, distorted

figures, expressed emotion Displayed deep Catholic faith

Diego Velazquez-pride of the Spanish monarchy, painted portraits of the royal family

Don Quixote

Miguel de Cervantes writes Don Quixote, which is a book about a poor Spanish nobleman who reads too many books and has wild ideas

Is he mocking chivalry, or is he a romantic idealist?

Known as the birth of the European novel

The Spanish Empire Weakens Temporary wealth leads to long-term

problems

Inflation and Taxes

Inflation is a decrease in the value of money, combined with an increase in price Ex. $1 is now worth 80 cents; at the

same time, gas is going from $3/gal to $3.50

There are 2 factors in this case Increasing population, silver floods the

market

Expulsion of Jews and Muslims causes a problem as nobles did not pay taxes

Making Spain’s Enemies Rich Artisans (people making things with

their hands) must belong to guilds The guild system forces costs to go

up, which leads people to buy goods from other countries

Philip II is borrowing money to pay foreign debts.

The Dutch Revolt

The Spanish had to have an army in the Netherlands to control their colonists Culture clash

The Spanish raise taxes and attempt to crush Protestantism

Causes a full-fledged revolt, separate in 1579

Independent Dutch Prosper

The Netherlands become like the city of Florence during the Renaissance

Widespread feelings of religious toleration and republicanism

Dutch Art

Rembrandt-Greatest Dutch artist Jan Vermeer-Pioneered effects of

light and dark on painting

Dutch Trading Empire

The Dutch bought surplus grain from other European countries and held it for the right time

They were able to sell when demand was high and supply was low, so price was ________

They had the largest fleet of ships in the world in the 1600s

Absolutism in Europe

Philip II is the 1st major example of absolutism

Theory of Absolutism

An absolute monarch wants to control every aspect of society

They believe in divine right to rule

Growing Power of Europe’s Monarchs KEY CONTRIBUTING FACTORS:::::::

Decline of feudalism Rise of cities Growth of national kingdoms Supported by middle class

Crises Lead to Absolutism

17th century-period of great upheaval in Europe

Governments build huge armies and therefore levy huge taxes, people revolt

Monarchs try to impose order by increasing control

Most famous absolute monarch: Louis XIV