European Monarchies

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European Monarchies
Introduction to Absolutism and Absolutism
in Spain
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European Monarchies
1. The Five most important European powers
believed in absolutism. A form of government
where the monarchs and advisors had absolute,
unlimited power.
2. Absolutism was based on the principle of
Divine Right, the idea that monarchs received
the power and right to rule directly from God.
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Age of Absolutism (1500-1800)
European Power Family Monarchs I.
Spain Hapsburgs Philip II, Charles
II II. France Bourbons Louis XIV III. German
states A. Austria Hapsburgs Maximilian
I, Maria Theresa B. Prussia Hohenzollerns F
rederick William IV. Russia Romanovs Pe
ter the Great
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Absolutism in Spain
?In the 1500s, Spain was the most powerful
nation in Europe under the rule of the Hapsburgs.
I. Philip II was considered the Greatest King
of Spain. (1556-1598)
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Absolutism in Spain
A. Took control of Spain, Netherlands,
southern Italy, overseas empires.
B. Served as protector of the Catholic
Church. C. Fought Protestantism and
Islam. D. Made all decisions and
signed all papers. E. Ruled during
Spains Golden Age. This age included painters
like Velazquez and Greco. Also Cervantes who
wrote Don Quixote, 1st Europe novel.
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Absolutism in Spain
II. Spanish Armada (1588) A. Unsuccessful
attempt to invade England by Philip
II. B. Spanish Navy of 130 ships were
defeated by smaller, quicker ships of the
English. C. This marked the start of Spanish
decline as a sea power, and England becomes the
strongest power in the world.
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Absolutism in Spain
III. Charles II A. Served as the last monarch of
the Spanish Hapsburgs. B. Later married
but didnt have any children.