Wednesday, November 21, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
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
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.

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.
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.
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