Absolutism in Spain & France

Mr. KochWorld History A

Forest Lake High School

Spain• Philip II– Centralized his power • made Spain most powerful in

Europe– Strongly Catholic • Enforced unity (fought Reformation)

• Ruled by “divine right” – Battled with Protestants in

Netherlands (fighting lasted for decades)

• Northern Protestants declared independence (Dutch Netherlands)

Spain • Philip II (cont’d)– Elizabeth I encouraged “sea dogs”

(i.e. Francis Drake) to plunder Spanish treasure ships

– 1588 Philip prepared armada to invade England (130+ ships)

• Was a disaster• Naval superiority began to dwindle• Power begins to decline

Spain• “Golden Age”– Painters• El Greco, Diego Velazquez

– Writers• Lope de Vega, Miguel de

Cervantes

France

• Was in upheaval from wars between Huguenots (Protestants) & Catholics

France

• Henry IV– Protestant converted to

Catholicism• (France mostly Catholic)

– Edict of Nantes (1598)• Religious toleration to Huguenots

– Wanted to improve people’s lives through royal absolutism

France

• Louis XIV– Inherited throne at age 5 • (took leadership around 23)

– “Fronde” – rebellion by nobles, merchants , peasants, & urban poor

– Believed in “divine right” • Sun was symbol for rule• Estates General never called

France• Louis XIV (cont’d)– Strengthened power through

bureaucracy and building strongest army in Europe • Also became wealthiest European state• Tried to expand borders – faced a lot of

resistance– Alliances try to maintain balance of power

– 1685 – revoked Edict of Nantes• Saw Huguenots as threat to

religious/political unity• Many fled – lost valuable members of

society

France• Versailles– Louis XIV built huge,

beautiful palace• Symbol of wealth/power• Home of king & seat of

government• Nobles lived there

– Less of a threat

– Louis XIV developed elaborate ceremonies• Also a major supporter of arts