What was going on socially/culturally during units 1 and 2?

There were many changes socially and culturally that went on during the renaissance and the reformation. During the renaissance, a lot more trade and communication between countries took place. Also, there were a lot of machines and theories being invented that impacted the way society worked. During the reformation, new religions and beliefs were created and people started question the church. This caused problems and doubts in the Caholic religion, which impacted how the people lived.

Travelogue About Versailles

The palace of Versailles was renewed by Louis XIV during his reign over France. It is a historical place that has been restored over the years and is visited by many people everyday. Inside the beautiful palace you will find enormus state rooms, lots of italian marble, and many paintings. Also around the large area of land are fountains, beautiful gardens, and fountains. There are 700 rooms in Versailles and a hall of mirrors. The palace of Versailles is a wonderful site and is full of amazing and interesting things that you can see and learn about.

The Clergy's Journal

Dear Journal,
My life has been going pretty well so far. I fully support absolutism and all of its rules and beliefs. Because i am very wealthy and in the upper class, I don't have to pay taxes like the poor peasants. I can basically do whatever I want and am enjoying the way i live very much. I agree with our monarch and understand why he does his job a certain way. I would not want to be anyone else because I am extremely lucky to not have to pay taxes and to not have to worry about money and work problems.

LINKS (Spanish Absolutism)

General Overview:
http://www.wga.hu/tours/spain/h_17.html

Kings:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Philip_IV
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_III_of_Spain
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_II_of_Spain

Economy:
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-27710/Italy

Politics:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habsburg_Spain

Culture:
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-30394/Western-sculpture

Decline:
http://countrystudies.us/spain/9.htm
http://historymedren.about.com/library/text/bltxtspain8.htm

Entry from Spanish Rulers (1589-1715)

King Philip III (1598-1622)
April 1618
I suppose it is true, what my father said. I have not the edge to rule. I am far more concerned with true virtues rather than the cold ways of politics. I am now surely nearing the end of my days, and looking back on my reign, it appears that I could do no more for my country than I have. I suppose the festivities in which I participated, which were rather expensive and lavish, could have been toned down a bit in order to keep money in the treasury, but as I said, none of these political thoughts were ever in my head. Yes, it is far better that I entrusted my royal duties into the hands of the Duke of Lerma, and now his son, the Duke of Uceda. After all, it is not my fault that I, a soft-hearted man, was born to the great dynasty of the Habsburgs. Ah, well, buenos noches.


King Philip IV (1622-1665)
December 1664
All is in despair. I feel as if I have failed my country. It was my every intention to honor the Roman Catholic Church and the Habsburgs in everything I have done. Yet it appears that I entrusted too much power in Olivares, my advisor, at the beginning of my reign. How can I possibly be blamed for such an action, though, when I was only 16 years of age. Even though I did theoretically engulf myself in my passion for Baroque art, such as translating works and commissioning fine architecture, I tried my best to perserve the honor of Spain. I submerged us into war with the Dutch, which some call the beginning of the end. It is true, I suppose, that I have failed. My only hope is that my son may be able to do better than I for his country, the church, and the Habsburgs.


King Charles II (1665-1700)
June 1698
I cannot take much more criticism. People whisper about me. They call me mentally ill and disfigured. They assume I cannot hear them. I ardently proclaim that any flaw in myself is merely due to sorcery. I have tried to get the demons out! But apparently to no avail. It is evident that the masses believe that my handicaps contribute to my lack of leadership and good rule. They say Spain is declining, and I am the one to blame. What more can I do? I do feel terrible for certain injustices. I have even ordered the Junta Magna, which will be a report on and mishaps in the Spainsh Inquisition. We shall see how that proceeds. I cannot write much more, my hand is shaking and I simply can no longer think.

Last Habsburg King: Charles II

An Entry From a Spanish Noble (1651)

A dios mio! Our rulers seem to lack that certain vigor that enables one to rule. No matter, we, the artistocracy, are completely capable of running the country here, however dismal things appear. There may be a shortage of money due to the failure of our colonies in the America, but certainly we will not stoop so low as to actually take part in earning money. No, no, it's far better in the interest of the aristocrats that we continue our lives of decadence as to set an example for the lower class and to show the pride of Spain. Indeed, we must return to the imperial tradition, and no better way than to continue our efforts in a war which will surely be won against the Dutch. This is all according to count-duke Olivares, whom is one of great prestige. However, I am slightly concerned with the way in which we shall finance such a feat of glory, but I'm sure it will all work out in the end. That's all for today, adios.

Significance/Impact of Absolutism

Absolutism caused many problems for Spain. Spain had an absolute monarchy, which caused a lack of strength in the Middle Class, due to the expulsion of the Jews and the Moors, agriculture problems, and financial issues. They were reduced to a second-rate power, slaves died of epidemics, new trade cut into the Spanish revenues, increased rents on estates to allow aristocrats to have the money needed to fulfill their desired lifestyle, and the leaders of the country did not know how to fix the problem or control it.

There was a serious of revolts that resulted from these problems, and the French made a horrible defeat on the Spanish army. This ended the Fench-Spanish wars. After this, the Spanish lacked the financial support to build a strong military and renew faith in religion. This all lead to the defeat os Spain, all branching back to initial blow which was Absolutism.

Peasant View on Absolutism

Dear Journal,

Absolutism is not cool. Spain is declining in power because of it, and I have to suffer more with this form of government then ever before. I have to pay taxes, while the rich people just get to sit around and make all the money they could ever want or need. My living conditions are very poor and I have to work so much harder than many others, aside from my fellow peasants, of course. The King has all the power and pretty much makes all my decisions for me, as if I was his property or something. Who is he to tell me what to do? This government is not fair and us peasants get totally shafted in this whole ordeal.

Yours Truly

Spain's Ruler

The role of the ruler in Spain was an absolutist monarchy. However, it declined rather quickly. The Dutch and English began to cut into Spain's trade. Spain's supply of silver began to decline resulting in lack of money. The king at the time, Philip 4th, created The Treaty of the Pyrenees of 1659. This treaty ended the FrenchSpanish wars, marking the end of Spain as a great power.

Political Change due to the Protestant Reformation and Religious Wars

Martin Luther started the Protestant Reformation. It all started when Luther opposed to the indulgences in Rome. His Ninetyfive Theses raised many issues and started a long period of debate in Europe based on religion. He also criticized papal wealth. Luther's ideas attracted many people, resulting in loss of Christianity.

Another reformer was John Calvin. Calvin believed that God selects certain people to do his work and that he was selected to reform the church. Under Calvin, Geneva became "a city that was a church". The city of Geneva was the model for international Protestantism, and Calvinism which became the most influential form of Protestantism.

The Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office was also a large disagreement in Italy. This group was established by Pope Paul 3rd. It carried out the Roman Inquisition as a way to enforce heresy. It had the power to arrest, imprison, and execute people as they please.

Spain decided to attack England under the ruler, Philip 2nd. This decision was made because Philip wanted keep England Catholic and he wanted to attack the Dutch, but knew he had to take over England first. Phillip supported Mary Queen of Scotland's plot to kill Elizabeth of England. The Spanish Armada, Spain's navy, failed to attack England, so Philip agreed to a truce.

Politics of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance

In Europe, during the later Middle Ages, the Black Death occurred. That led to famine, resulting in economic slow down and as well as major population decreasing. In Italy, the Great Schism- the papacy in Rome got to strong so there were two popes, and the Babylonian Captivity- Avignon receiving a pope led to problems. After a lot of threats and arguments, pope Urban and Clement 5th divided up Europe to reign over. Rome had Italy, England, and the Holy Roman Empire. Avignon had France, Portugal, Castle of Aragon, Naples, and Scotland. This was not working so the Council of Constance met, which was supposed to solve the pope dilemma, but instead added a new pope in Pizza. Also, vernacular literature emerged mostly in eastern Europe.

The Italian Renaissance was the biggest turning point for Europe at this time. The Renaissance was a re-birth of everything. The main Italian cities who are more well known for the Renaissance are Venice, the Papal States, Florence, Milan, and Naples. Literature used humanism, individualism, and secularism. There were new architectural structures and different ways to paint. This was the rise of many rulers interested in the centralization of power and the elimination of disorder and violence.

Spain also had different ruling styles due to the Renaissance. The marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella unified Spain and Christianization Spain. They used the local police forces to administer royal justice. They turned the royal council to aristocratic power and to strengthen royal authority.

Political Changes Due to Absolutism and Constitutionalism

Spain is changed drastically in a political view because it restored a rigid absolute monarchy, which consisted of an elite monarchy, bureaucracy, and aristocracy. By the sixteenth century, Spain had built a classic absolute monarchy; with national taxes, a standing army, and a bureaucracy. Their absolute government was also international.

But, the Middle Class was weak, the population was decreasing, there was an agricultural crisis, they were making poor investments, and they had intellectual isolation. These things caused Spain's power to be reduced to a second-rate power.

Also, in 1659, the Treaty of the Pyrenees showed the end of Spanish imperial power.