Spanish PowerSpanish Power

Charles V, King of Spain inherited the Hapsburg empire. This included the Holy Roman Empire and the Netherlands. Ruling two empires involved Charles in constant religious warfare. The empire became too difficult for Charles to rule effectively. His demanding responsibilities led him to abdicate the throne and divide his kingdom between his brother Ferdinand and his son Philip.

Philip II was successful in expanding Spanish influence, strengthened the Catholic Church, and made his power absolute. He declared he ruled by divine right, meaning his authority to rule came directly from God. Philip defended the Catholic Church against the Protestant Reformation in Europe. In expanding his empire Philip needed to eliminate his rivals. Elizabeth I of England was his main Protestant rival. He prepared a huge armada to carry an invasion force to England. English ships out maneuvered Spanish ships and several disasters led to the defeat of the Spanish fleet.

Defeat in England marked the decline of Spanish power. Wars were costly and impacted Spain’s economy. Spain’s wealth and power decreased.

France: Louis XIVFrance: Louis XIV

1500s religious turmoil between French Protestants (Huguenots) and Catholics. Conflict with St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre resulted in the slaughter of many Huguenots. King Henry IV issued the Edict of Nantes protecting Huguenots.

After Henry’s assassination in 1610, his 13 year old son inherited the throne. Louis XIII appointed Cardinal Richelieu as his chief minister. Richelieu strengthened royal power by confronting opposing groups. In 1643, Louis XIV inherited the French throne. Louis took complete control after his chief ministers death. Louis believed in his divine right to rule and called himself the Sun King to symbolize his vital role within the nation. Louis expanded the royal government, appointed officials to collect taxes, recruited soldiers, and carried out his policies in the provinces. Jean Baptiste Colbert expanded commerce and trade. Taxes helped fund the King’s extravagant lifestyle. Louis transformed Versailles into a grand palace to represent wealth and power of France. Elaborate court ceremonies were held to emphasize the king’s importance. High ranking nobles would compete for the honor of handing the king his shoes. The purpose was to keep the nobles in Versailles to gain their support and prevent them from getting too powerful. France became very powerful under Louis XIV. It would not last.

England: Parliament England: Parliament Triumphs Triumphs

1485-1603 England was ruled by the Tudors. Tudors believed in divine right, but also valued good relations with Parliament. James I inherited the throne from the childless Elizabeth I. Claiming absolute power was not accepted by Parliament. Conflict surfaced between James and Parliament frequently as well as dissenters who were Protestant.

Charles I inherited the throne and the conflict of absolute rule vs. Parliamentary rule. Tensions escalated into civil war which lasted from 1642 to 1651. Charles supporters were known as Cavaliers and Roundheads were supporters of Parliament. Oliver Cromwell lead the Parliamentary supporters to victory in 1649 when Charles was beheaded.

The House of Commons abolished the monarchy and declared England a republic under Cromwell, called the Commonwealth. Religious conflict continued as the house passed many Puritan based laws and rejected Catholicism. Following the death of Cromwell in 1658; Parliament invited Charles II to be King.

The thrown was offered to William and Mary who accepted the English Bill of Rights creating a limited monarchy. Eventually Britain became a constitutional government.

Rise of Austria-PrussiaRise of Austria-Prussia

The Holy Roman Empire was comprised of several hundred small states. The Holy Roman Emperor was chosen by 7 leading German princes called electors, who ruled the states. However the Emperor had limited power over the princes. Religious conflict created tension and let to the Thirty Years’ War amongst the Empire. The war devastated the German states as mercenaries for hire, burned villages, destroyed crops, and murdered and tortured villagers. Famine and disease followed causing severe depopulation. 1648 a series of treaties known as the Peace of Westphalia were established to bring resolution to European conflict.

Austria and Prussia differed in religious association. Austria (Catholic) and Prussia (Protestant) divided interest and created the conflict of the War of the Austrian Succession. Frederick II of Prussia came to power and placed great emphasis on military values.

Absolute Monarchy in Absolute Monarchy in RussiaRussia