Unit 8

Absolute Monarchs

AbsolutismForceful single leader trying to control every aspect of society within their borders.

Other monarchs started to claim authority to rule without limits.

Divine RightRight to rule came from God, his representative.

Only answer to God.No responsibility to subjects

Growing Power of MonarchsDecline of feudalism, growth of cities and national kingdoms

Need to centralize authority.Supported by growing middle classes

Support for business and ownersChurch lost power after the Reformation

Monarchs move in to fill the void.

Growing Power of Monarchs17th century a time of upheaval

Religious and territorial conflictsGovt.’s built large armies, imposed heavy taxes.Monarchs take control over everything

Helps to keep powerIncrease size of government

BureaucracyLessened power of the nobility and parliaments.

Chapter 16 – Sect 4Spain

Charles V Hapsburg Empire – German Family

Greatest size under Charles V (1516-1556)

Inherited Spain, Austria and Netherlands from Grandparents on both sides.

1519 princes elected him Holy Roman Emperor.

Charles V - ControlDifficult to retain control

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

Charles V - 1556Charles V gives up the throne

Too big for one to ruledivided between brother and sonFerdinand I (Brother)- Austria, Hungary & HREPhilip II (son) - Spanish Empire (with American colonies) & Netherlands

Philip IIRuled from 1556-1598

Spain became the most powerful nation in Europe.Built new royal residence

Escorial PalaceReligious 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

Philip IIDefends Catholicism

Religious wars all over EuropeThought defending his religion part of his duty.

Defend against Muslims (Ottoman Empire) & Protestants (Europe)

1571 - Pope calls princes to defend against Muslims

sends large force defeats Ottoman fleet in Mediterranean

1588 - Tries to attack Protestant England

Come back to later.

Philip IIWars

Borrowed money from German and Italian bankers to financeNew shiploads of silver sent abroad to pay debtsPhilip II declares Spain bankrupt three times during is reign

DutchWas 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 differencesSpain – CatholicNetherlands – largely Calvinists

Spain persecuted them

Culturally the Dutch had little in common with Spanish.

Dutch - Netherlands RevoltPhilip

Tries to keep them in controlPhilip sends in 20,000 troopsOver 6 years, 18,000 killedSeized Dutch property and imposed heavier taxes.

William of Orange - 1568Wanted to free the Netherlands from Spain.Opened the dikes (levees) to flood the ‘lowlands’

Forced Spanish army to retreat.

Dutch - Netherlands Revolt - 15791579 – Netherlands

SplitSpanish Netherlands

10 Southern provinces.Remain Catholic

Dutch Netherlands7 Northern provinces.Mainly Protestant.

Dutch EmpireComplete Religious Toleration

Unusual for the time.Not a kingdom, but a republic

Each province elected a governorStable govt. allowed them to focus on economy.

Dutch EmpireEfficient SailorsBecame European Financial centerNetherlands replaced Florence as art center.Never forced Christianity on colonies

Decline of SpainGrowing population, shortage of goods

Can not produce enough goods, must buyCheaper 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.

End of Spain