Habsburg Spain: Charles V to Philip II's Reign

The Revolt of the Comuneros

The cities were discontented due to new taxes, while the nobility resented the king's appointment of foreigners to crucial government positions. The cities, known as comunidades de villa y tierra, initiated the Revolt of the Comuneros, initially gaining support from the nobles.

The rebels achieved significant success during the initial months of the revolt. However, the king later reached an agreement with the Castilian nobles, and together they confronted the rebels. The decisive battle was fought in Villalar, where the king emerged victorious. Juan de Padilla, Juan Bravo, and Francisco Maldonado, the prominent leaders of the revolt, were subsequently executed.

This revolt profoundly altered Charles V's approach to his kingdom. He began to pay greater attention to Castile, married, and raised his son, Philip II, at the Spanish court. Furthermore, he appointed Castilian nobles to the highest government posts, fostering better relations.

The Government of a Vast Empire

Charles V did not wield absolute power; decisions required the approval of the Parliaments in each kingdom. The royal court was itinerant, moving between territories. Each region had a viceroy or governor who ruled in the king's name, and courts were established to administer justice.

While most of the king's revenue came from taxes, these alone were insufficient to finance his extensive policies, often necessitating the acquisition of loans.

Challenges within the Empire

France stood as Charles V's primary rival for supremacy in Europe. The Ottoman Turks posed another significant threat along the eastern boundary of the Holy Roman Empire. However, the most severe challenge was the rebellion of the German Protestant princes. Charles attempted to halt the expansion of Protestantism but ultimately failed.

Consequently, he decided to surrender his power, dividing his vast possessions: the Holy Roman Empire was bequeathed to his brother Ferdinand, and the remaining territories passed to his son Philip II.

The Hispanic Monarchy Under Philip II

In 1556, Charles V abdicated, transferring his vast territories to his son, Philip II. Philip II's empire became the most powerful of its era, encompassing:

• Spain
• The Low Countries
• A large part of Italy and other territories in Central Europe
• The Castilian Empire in the Americas
• Numerous possessions in North Africa and the Far East

In 1580, Philip II asserted his claim to the Portuguese Crown, successfully annexing it the same year. This acquisition brought Portugal's extensive possessions in Africa, Asia, and Brazil under his control. Philip II's empire was, at that time, the largest the world had ever known.

He established his court in Madrid, considering Spain the central pillar of his monarchy, which subsequently led to his realm being known as the Hispanic Monarchy.

Philip II's Key Policies

Philip II's policies were primarily driven by two main objectives: the preservation of his territories and the staunch defense of Catholicism. The king rigorously suppressed Protestantism, and the Inquisition acted harshly against perceived heretics, leading to a significant increase in religious intolerance.

These objectives were the underlying causes of numerous wars fought in the Low Countries and against other major European powers throughout his reign.