Reign of Charles V & Philip II: Rise, Challenges, and Decline of the Spanish Empire

Charles V: The Dawn of an Empire

Charles V inherited a vast empire, becoming the most powerful king of his time.

1. 1516: He inherited his grandparents' possessions, becoming King Charles I of Spain.
2. He became Holy Roman Emperor, inheriting lands in Germany, the Netherlands, and France. He spent a significant amount to secure the Castilian vote for the imperial title.

Governance of a Vast Empire

1. Charles V's empire comprised diverse territories, each with its own laws and institutions.
2. His power was not absolute; key decisions, including new taxes, required approval from the parliaments of each kingdom.
3. The court was itinerant. Each territory had a governor or viceroy ruling in the king's absence, and an audiencia responsible for justice.

Challenges of the Reign

Charles V's main objectives:

• France: His main rival for European hegemony.
• Ottoman Turks: A constant threat in the Mediterranean.
• German Protestant Princes: The most serious challenge, with their rebellion.

The Monarchy of Philip II

In 1556, Charles V abdicated, passing Spain, Italian, and Flemish territories to his son, Philip II.

Philip II's realm included:

• The Kingdom of Spain (Castile and Aragon)
• The Netherlands
• Most Italian regions
• Parts of Central Europe
• The Americas
• Possessions in North Africa and the Far East

The Hispanic Monarchy: All lands ruled from Madrid.

Challenges of Philip II's Reign

Despite his power, Philip II faced numerous challenges:

• War with France
• Confrontation with the Turks
• Revolt of the Netherlands
• Clash with England
• Multiple bankruptcies

The Conquest of America

Early Stages

In the 16th century, Castilian conquistadors established themselves in the Caribbean.

Numerous expeditions for conquest and exploration were launched southward into Central America.

Instruments of Conquest

Expeditions were organized and led by individuals under royal capitulations (agreements).

Unit 13: The End of Spanish Hegemony

At the beginning of the 17th century, the Spanish Empire was the richest and most powerful in the world.

The Reign of Philip III

Philip III succeeded his father, Philip II. His foreign policy aimed for peace, resulting in treaties with England and the United Provinces. However, economic problems persisted. A significant domestic measure was the expulsion of the Moors, devastating many regions.

Early Reign of Philip IV

Domestic Policy: Increased military spending to strengthen royal power.

Crises of Philip IV's Reign

• Centralist policies led to the Catalan revolt.
• France declared war, leading to the Thirty Years' War, which ended in 1648 with the Treaty of Westphalia.

Economic and Social Crisis

• Spanish population growth stalled from the late Middle Ages to the end of the 16th century.
• Poor harvests, epidemics, the expulsion of the Moors, war-related mortality, and emigration to America contributed to decline.

French Hegemony

Louis XIV ascended to the French throne in 1643.

• France became the leading European power after 1648.
• Expansionist policies targeted neighboring territories.
• France aimed to build a colonial empire like the Hispanic Monarchy.

Absolute Monarchy

Louis XIV's reign exemplified 17th-century absolute monarchy:

• Imposed political centralization
• Controlled the nobility
• The court became the center of state administration
• Established economic monopolies and protectionist policies (though these were largely unsuccessful)

The War of Succession

After the death of the childless Charles II, Great Britain and Holland supported Archduke Charles of Austria for the Spanish throne, while France favored Philip of Anjou.

Alliances and Conflict: On September 11, 1714, after a long siege, Barcelona surrendered to Bourbon troops. Other resistance centers fell. Philip V won the war, strengthening the monarchy.