European Monarchies and Art: Philip II, El Greco, and Dutch Golden Age

What is the divine right?

The belief that a monarch's authority comes directly from God.

Who was Philip II?

The son of Charles V, he ruled Spain and its empire from 1556 to 1598.

What does it mean to be an absolute monarch?

A ruler who holds total power and authority over the government and its people.

What major territories did Charles V control?

He controlled Spain, its American colonies, parts of Italy, and lands in Austria and the Netherlands.

What significant agreement did Charles V agree to in 1555?

The Peace of Augsburg, which allowed German princes to choose the religion for their territories.

What was the outcome of Philip II's rule over Portugal?

He seized the Portuguese kingdom after the king died without an heir in 1580.

How much gold did American mines supply Spain by 1600?

An estimated 339,000 pounds of gold.

What was the size of the standing army supported by Spain's wealth?

About 50,000 soldiers.

What was the Reconquista?

The campaign to drive Muslims from Spain, completed 64 years before Philip II's reign.

What was the Spanish Armada?

A fleet of about 130 ships sent by Philip II in 1588 to invade England.

What was the outcome of the Spanish Armada's attempt to invade England?

The fleet was defeated by the English warships.

What was the significance of the Battle of Lepanto in 1571?

A battle where Spanish and Venetian ships defeated a large Ottoman fleet.

What was the Escorial?

Philip II's gray granite palace that also served as a monastery.

Who were El Greco and Velázquez?

Two prominent Spanish painters during the golden age of Spanish art.

What characterized El Greco's art?

Use of brilliant colors, distorted figures, and symbolic expression of emotion.

What did Philip II's wealth allow him to do besides support a navy?

It allowed him to become a patron of the arts and support artists.

What was the impact of the Reformation on Europe during Philip II's reign?

It caused religious wars and conflicts, particularly between Catholics and Protestants.

What was Philip II's view on defending Catholicism?

He believed it was his duty to defend Catholicism against Muslims and Protestants.

What was the significance of the Spanish galleons?

They transported vast amounts of silver bullion from the Americas to Spain.

What did Philip II's court historian say about him?

He noted that 'His smile and his dagger were very close,' indicating Philip's suspicious nature.

What role did the Inquisition play during Philip II's reign?

It was used to investigate and punish suspected heretics in Spain.

What was the primary reason for Philip II's aggressive actions?

To expand and protect his empire.

What was the economic condition of Spain during Philip II's rule?

Spain experienced significant wealth due to its colonies and resources.

What was the cultural impact of Spain's wealth during the 16th and 17th centuries?

It led to a golden age in arts and literature.

What was the relationship between Philip II and Queen Elizabeth I?

Philip II sought to punish Elizabeth for supporting Protestant rebels in England.

What artistic techniques did El Greco use in his paintings?

Brilliant, sometimes clashing colors, distorted human figures, and symbolic expression of emotion.

What themes did El Greco often depict in his artwork?

Saints and martyrs as huge, long-limbed figures with a supernatural air.

Who was Diego Velázquez?

The court painter to Philip IV of Spain, known for his portraits of the royal family and scenes of court life.

What is 'Don Quixote de la Mancha' known for?

It is often called the birth of the modern European novel.

What character does Miguel de Cervantes portray in 'Don Quixote'?

A poor Spanish nobleman who becomes delusional after reading too many books about heroic knights.

What does Don Quixote mistake for giants?

Windmills.

What economic issue did Spain face due to the influx of gold and silver from the Americas?

Severe inflation and long-term economic problems.

What were the two main causes of inflation in Spain?

Population growth leading to increased demand for goods and the devaluation of silver due to excess supply.

What impact did the expulsion of Jews and Moors have on Spain's economy?

Spain lost many valuable artisans and businesspeople, hindering economic development.

Why did Spain never develop a middle class?

The tax burden fell on the lower classes, while nobles were exempt from taxes.

What was the effect of guilds on Spanish manufacturing?

Guilds used outdated methods, making Spanish goods more expensive than those made elsewhere.

What was 'Tulip Mania'?

A period in the 1630s when tulip prices soared due to high demand, leading to economic collapse when prices crashed.

What was the outcome of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule?

The northern provinces of the Netherlands declared independence from Spain in 1579, forming the United Provinces of the Netherlands.

What characterized the United Provinces of the Netherlands?

Religious toleration and a republican form of government with elected governors.

Who was Rembrandt van Rijn?

The greatest Dutch artist of the 1600s, known for his portraits of wealthy middle-class merchants and use of light and shadow.

What is one of Rembrandt's famous works?

The Night Watch, which portrays a group of city guards.

Who was Jan Vermeer?

A Dutch artist known for his fascination with the effects of light and dark in his paintings.

What common themes did Vermeer often depict in his paintings?

Women engaged in familiar activities, such as pouring milk or reading letters.

What does Rembrandt's painting 'The Night Watch' illustrate?

The individuality of each man through distinctive facial expressions and postures.

What contributed to the economic growth of the Dutch Trading Empire?

Stability of the government, strategic grain trading, and a large fleet of ships.

What was the role of the Dutch East India Company?

To dominate the Asian spice trade and the Indian Ocean trade.

What was the political belief of absolutism?

That one ruler should hold all the power within the boundaries of a country.

What is divine right?

The belief that monarchs are God's representatives on earth and answer only to God.

What were some causes of absolutism in Europe?

Religious and territorial conflicts, the need for larger armies, and heavy taxation.

How did absolute monarchs control society?

By regulating religious worship, social gatherings, and creating bureaucracies.

What was the significance of Philip II in the context of absolutism?

He was a forceful ruler who tried to control every aspect of his empire's affairs.

What was the impact of the decline of feudalism on monarchs' power?

It allowed monarchs to centralize authority and gain support from the growing middle class.

What did Jean Bodin define as a characteristic of a sovereign prince?

The power to make laws without the consent of superiors, equals, or inferiors.

What led to the crises that resulted in increased absolutism in the 17th century?

Continuous warfare, heavy taxation, and widespread unrest among the population.

What was the result of the Spanish Armada's defeat by England?

It marked a significant decline in Spanish power and influence.

Why did the Dutch revolt against Spain?

Due to oppressive rule and heavy taxation imposed by the Spanish monarchy.

How did the lack of a middle class affect Spain's economy?

It contributed to economic decline as there was less support for the monarchy.

What was one effect of the absolutist policies on the economy?

Creation of bureaucracies to control economic life and increase state power.

What did absolute monarchs believe justified their power?

The divine right and their role as God's representatives on earth.