Philip II Of Spain
By ZH
Spanish Empire around 1580
Challenge #1
King Philip II of Spain
was a devoted Catholic.
Queen Elizabeth of
England had become the
new “protector” of
Protestantism. Philip,
outraged by this, decided
to arm an immense fleet
(the Spanish Armada) to
combat English heresy by
invasion. However, the
Spanish Armada
ultimately failed its quest.
Challenge #2
The Ottoman Empire was a rising power
around the Mediterranean. Philip, concerned
with their increasing domination, set up the Holy
League and lost 3 battles against the Turks.
Finally, at the Battle of Lepanto, Philip crushed
the Ottoman control over the Mediterranean.
What did Philip have in common with
all the other monarchs?
Most monarchs are head of state through inheriting the
throne from family, like Philip. While head of state they
keep this leadership for life, or until otherwise terminated
(ex. beheaded). Like several monarchs of Philips time, he
was involved in multiple wars/battles. Also Philip married
royalty, and his son, or heir, went on to become the next
king of Spain.
What did Philip have in common
with more than 2 other monarchs?
Like Louis XIV,
Frederick II and many
other monarchs his
marriage was based in
alliance, family ties, and
religion. Also, like Louis
XIV, and numerous other
monarchs his great
spending led him into
bankruptcy and heavy
taxation. His father was a
king, and so was his son
after his death.
Which monarch would get along
with Philip?
We believe Louis XIV
would get along with Philip.
Both show a reverence for
great spending. This
reverence led both the
monarchs to engage in raising
taxes for the lower class. Also
they were both keen to
multiple marriages. Louis XIV
and Philip were also both
involved in some kind of
battle/war during their reign.
These qualities led us to
believe they could become
good friends.
Which monarch wouldn’t get along
with Philip?
We believe Catherine the
Great would not get along with
Philip. Catherine had religious
toleration, while Philip was
rooted in his beliefs against
heresy. She has been
regarded as one of the most
religion-tolerant monarchs of
the bunch, while Philip is
viewed as otherwise. Being on
opposing sides of an important
issue, would likely cause
controversy between them.
Spain Today
Spain during
Philip’s reign was
much larger, and
contained Portugal
along with other
conquered lands,
like Sicily, Naples
and much of Italy.
Our government compared to Philip’s
Our government is a democracy,
letting the people be heard through
representatives. We also enjoy
voting on representatives, laws and
other governmental matters. Philip
was a king and ruled solely, he used
marriage for alliance, and taxed
heavily during economic struggles.
He ruled as a fervent Catholic, and
with contempt towards heterodoxy.
Under what monarch would we like to live?
We would like to live
under Catherine the Great.
She was tolerant of other
religions, more so than other
monarchs. She was involved
in the Enlightenment. She
was a patron of the arts,
literature and education;
which is very representative
of modern day life. These
marvelous ideas are some of
our necessities, and are
essential in our lives.
What country would we
want to live in today?
David and I (Brianne) would want to
live in the United States, where we reside
presently. We like living here because we
are a very fortunate country, with great
medical care, education, laws and
establishments. Not only do we enjoy an
organized and free society, but we also get
to enjoy luxuries like television, cars and
houses.