"He is by any standards one of the most remarkable men ever to sit on a throne in Europe. He created a pattern of government not only in Spain and his European possessions, but also in Spanish America and the Philippines, a pattern that was to last for three hundred years after his death."

Life's Work

Philip was the ruler of many lands and was one of the most dominant leaders in Europe during the second half of the 16^th century. Philip established Spanish colonial governance that lasted a good ways into the 19^th century. Philip fought against many other monarchs and rulers in Europe during his time, and he even seized the crown of Portugal in 1580 when it had become vacant. Philip had an incredibly firm faith in Catholicism and believed he was ordained by God to rule, and also to get rid of all Protestantism in Europe. He also rarely retreated from a battle because he believed that God had ordained him to fight the battle or undertake the mission. Philip had overwhelming debts and he went bankrupt in 1557, 1575, and in 1596. Although there were many riches coming from the new world they were quickly used up. Philip liked to have a wide variety of views on a subject so he would employ ministers with many different views, sometimes those opposite his. Council meetings would often become battles for rival factions. Many people viewed Philip as evil because of his absolute faith and he soon became part of the anti-Spanish view. This was started when William the Silent, fighting in the Netherlands, branded Philip a murderer.  Also a Protestant historian named Motley used distorted documents written by enemies of Philip and portrayed him as evil.

Philip II's Beliefs in Catholicism and the Death of Philip II

Philip was a very devout Catholic, and was ruthless in the suppression of Lutheran heresy. He believed that it was his duty to restore Europe to the Catholic Church. Although he was Catholic, Philip II would not always agree with the decisions of the Pope, which caused the Pope to resent Philip’s control over the Spanish Church. Eventually Philip succeeded in exterminating all Protestantism in Spain. To show how devoted he was Philip once said that if even his own son converted to Protestantism he would personally burn him at the stake. Philip made enemies of any, or all Protestant rulers or nations such as England or the Netherlands.

Philip died clutching a crucifix on the 13 of Sept., 1598 at his palace, Escorial.

Defeat of the Spanish Armada

Philip II was a very devout Catholic while Queen Elizabeth of England was one of the most Protestant monarchs in Europe. Philip was hoping that Elizabeth would renounce her Protestant faith and become a Catholic like himself, he even hoped for a possible marriage as he had been married to her sister, Mary Tudor. But in 1585 Elizabeth openly supported the Dutch rebels fighting against Philip. This made Philip furious and in 1587, after spending much money and time, Philip sends the whole Spanish armada to England. When the large, heavily armed ships arrived in England they were torn apart by the much more maneuverable English ships that made up England’s navy. On the way back to Spain in defeat the rest of the armada was destroyed by a great storm. Queen Elizabeth called it “The Protestant Wind.” Later Philip sent even larger armadas to England in 1596 and in 1597 (this goes to show the vast wealth of Spain at that time) only to have them also destroyed by storms. These events were a great blow to Philip and marked the eventual decline of Spain as a world superpower.

Wars Fought by Philip II

Philip had several wars going on at the same time, one war in Italy and another in the Lower Countries, Philip defeated France in the lower countries in 1557. Philip also later fought against the Moriscoes of the Kingdom of Granada who often plotted with the Mussulmans from outside the country. The Moriscoes revolted in 1567 and it lasted until 1570 when they were defeated by Don Juan, the son of Charles V. There was also the conquest of Portugal in 1580. The country of France was divided and two rivals, Henry of Navarre and Cardinal Charles of Bourbon, were jockeying for power. Philip openly supported the Catholic League which was led by Henry the Duke of Guise and his brother who both openly opposed Navarre because he was Protestant. He sent monthly sums of 150,000 florins to help support them. After the unfolding of many events Henry the Duke of Guise was murdered and Philip was forced to invade France in 1590. Philip fought Navarre until he eventually converted to Catholicism and became King Henry IV.

Early Life of Philip II

Philip II was the only son of Emperor Charles V and Isabella of Portugal. Philip was born on the 21 of May, 1527 at Valladolid. Philip was well educated in the sciences, and also learned French and Latin. He was married to his cousin, Maria of Portugal in 1543 who died shortly after in 1545. Philip was appointed regent of Spain by a council by Charles V. In 1554 Philip married the queen of England, Mary Tudor who died in 1558. Philip had much influence over the religion of England through the marriage. When Philip was married, Mary Tudor was 11 years older than he was. On the 22 of Oct., 1555, the Low Countries (Castille, Aragon, and Sicily, and soon after the count-ship of Burgundy) were ceded to Philip by Charles V.