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Thought as the most powerful monarch in Europe at the time. He was a very stern defender of the Chatholic faith. Spaniards look back to him as a model prudence, self-discipline, and devotion. He was also an administrator building up and maintaining a large complex bureaucracy. Philip believed this was needed because of the far-spread territories he ruled. The main concern was to fight against the two main enemies of the church, the Muslims and the Protestants.
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Wars were fought for many resons, but above all religion was at the top. Protestants and christians treated each other terriably. Heresy was considered bad for society and showed hatred to God. Dead people were not spared and their bodies were mutilated to show how bad their sins were.
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Philips campaigns were justifying the financial strains that they caused. His naval battle against the Ottomans at Lepanto, made him a Christian hero. During the same time he reduced the Muslims power. In the west Philip was unchallenged and was in control of the very wealthy Italian peninsula.
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A full scale rebellion broke out in 1572. A group of Dutch sailors who were flying the flag of WWwilliam of Orange seized the fishing Village of Brill. These rebellions created uprisings in the low country. William of Oranges became the symbols for these resistances. Philips own men started mutany agansit him and 16 of 17 providences backed William. Philip eventually offered a compromise and 10 southern provinces returned to Spanish control.
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The remaining seven provinces formed a United Province. Despite williams assassination, they resisted the Spanish army for decades. Philip was however detered by other wars and never placed full confidences in his generals. This would be the reason why Philip could not take over the United Povinces.
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Philip inherits the kingdom of Portugal. His overseas power grew now psat Seville, this caused it to be the fastest growing city in Europe. The 16th century would be the last in were the Mediterranean was the heart of the European economy. It would continue to be the pillar of Philip's power.
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Philip II was married to Elizabeths sister Marry. Since Marry was dead he would come to propose to Elizabeth. Elizabeth would turn down Philips proposal. In time Elizabeth would start to attack Philips ships and steal his gold. Philip will eventually ask Elizabeth to stop stealing his gold, but to no avail. The Spanish Armada would be made and fail to stop the stealing of his gold.
