The Catholic Monarchs and Their European Empire

The Kingdoms and Territories of the Catholic Monarchs

The kingdoms and territories of the Catholic Monarchs were inherited by their grandson Charles, born in the Netherlands.

Charles I (1516-1556)

Inherited territories in central and N.Europe from his grandparents.

Philip II (1556-1598)

Didn't inherit his father's territories, nor was he made Holy Roman Emperor. Both monarchs consolidated the authoritarian monarchy, addressed numerous internal conflicts, and governed an empire. The empire helped them impose hegemony across Europe.

The Organisation of the Monarchy

Their rule was assisted by a well-organized public administration. This included royal secretaries, who studied important matters and gave advice.

The organization of the territory was conceived as an association of states. In each territory, the monarch was represented by a viceroy.

The European Conflicts

• The Thirty Years War (1648-1659)

Began with a conflict in Germany between the Catholic Emperor, who defended the unity of the Empire, and the Protestant German princes, who sought greater autonomy. Spain's major enemies were France, Sweden, Denmark, the United Provinces, and England. Spain and the Emperor were defeated at Rocroi (1463) and signed the Treaty of Westphalia (1648).

The Franco-Spanish War (1648-1659)

France and Spain continued fighting up until the final years of the following decade. They were defeated at the Battle of the Dunes (1658), and Spain signed the Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659).