Spanish Monarchy

In 1500 and 1600, * Monarchs of Europe worked to end independance of cities and feudal territories * Wanted to create kingdoms where loyalty of subjects is directed to crown * System of Government was absolutism-power of one person by divine right * Centralized rule use for unifying force and to bring efficiency and control * Hapsburg of Spain- leading power in West Europe * Strength derived from their possessions in: * Americas and Europe which inludes Spain, Netherlands, Milan, Burgundy * Portugal (after 1580) * Hapsburgs try to increse empire’s wealth but people are against absolutism Philip II * Ruled from 1556 to 1598 * Most powerful monarch in Spanish History * Devouted Catholic * Saw himself as the defender of faith * His efforts against Protestantism made him an enemy of the Protestants * Son of: Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and Isabella of Portugal * Wanted to increase the Hapsburg’s power in Europe * This effort involved Spain in many Europe Wars * Was known as the Prudent King * Was cautious, hardworking and suspicious of others. * Built El Escorial (Granite palace) * served as: * a royal court * art gallery * monastery * and tomb for Spanish Royalty * Used councils of bureaucrats to advise him, but he made all of the decisions * Faced many difficulties in ruling Spain and vast European and oversea empires * Provinces of Spain officialy united when Ferdinand of Aragon married Isabella of Castile in 1469 * Uniform syst. of gov. for the country still not established * Seperate laws and provisional authorities still remained * Castile region dominated spanish life * In 1500s Castile had the most territory, largest population and greatest wealth of all the Spanish territories * Philip II made Castile the center of Spain and Madrid was its capital * Castilian, or