Philip II's Conflicts: France, Netherlands, Ottomans, and England

Philip II's Conflicts

After France was defeated in the Battle of Saint-Quentin, Henry II signed the Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis in 1559. Then, a civil war broke out in France between the Catholics and Protestants.

Conflicts

Against the Protestants in the Low Countries

In 1568, in the northern countries where Calvinism had spread, the population rose up against the king. Philip II sent the Duke of Alba, who carried out a harsh military campaign. He was replaced by Alexander, who maintained control in Flanders, although the northern territories proclaimed their independence from the Spanish crown in 1581. The war lasted until 1648.

Against the Ottoman Empire

Philip II organized the Holy League in order to end Ottoman control over the Mediterranean Sea. This was an alliance between Spain, Venice, and the Pope. A Christian fleet was formed to fight against the Ottoman forces, which was commanded by John of Austria. In the naval Battle of Lepanto in 1571, the Ottomans were defeated.

Against England

Queen Elizabeth I of England supported the practices of English pirates who acted against the interests of Spain in the Americas. Elizabeth was an Anglican. Philip II formed a powerful fleet known as the Great Armada.

Key Terms

• Indulgences: A declaration by the Catholic Church to have some or all of an individual's punishment in purgatory remitted.
• Schmalkaldic League: The Emperor supported the Pope and the Church, but the Protestant Luther formed an alliance, the Schmalkaldic League.
• Peace of Augsburg: Was signed in 1555, under which the Emperor granted the Protestant princes religious freedom.
• Council of Trent: Which was held between 1545 and 1563, established the Catholic Church's course of action in three areas: the clarification of their teachings, internal reform, and the repression of Protestantism.
• Tercio: Was an infantry unit that marched in a closed formation consisting of various types of soldiers who alternated in battle. They were constantly on the move between the Mediterranean and Central Europe.
• Argemandos: Were groups of humble citizens who had been allowed to arm themselves to defend their coastal cities against pirate attacks.