Spain’s Golden Age and the Reign of Philip II Essay examples

Political power acts as a foundation for society through persuasion. This influential ability controls the thoughts and actions of society as a whole, and who is in control heavily determines how successful their influences will be. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were the political rulers of Spain during the late 15th century, and remained in control up until the early 16th century. They craved unity for their country, and would do anything they could to achieve their desired conformity. Spain was to be united under one flag, one form of ruler, and one religion; those who did not oblige, became targets. For more than three hundred years, the Spanish Inquisition hovered over Spain, inciting fear and inflicting brutality upon those

Medieval Spain started with the arrival of the Visigoths in the late 5th century to the end of the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella in the 16th century. However, its roots can be traced back to the medieval countries and kingdoms including Galicia, Leon, Castile, Aragon, Navarre, Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, and Granada. These countries all contributed to what has been known as the Spanish language as well as the country itself.

The Gilded Age is a time period in American history between 1870-1900. During this time period there was a boom in the United States economy and population. Unfortunately, during this time period there was a lot of financial corruption and inequality which caused the rich to become very wealthy. Interestingly enough there were a variety of distinguished authors, from William Graham Sumner, Henry Demarest Lloyd, Andrew Carnegie, and Henry George knew economic inequality was a major problem and something needed to be done.

In 1490 there was no such country as spain, yet within a century it had become the most powerful nation in europe and within another century had sunk to the status of a third rate power. Describe and analyze the major social economic and political reasons for spains rise and fall.

The Gilded Age was a term used in the 1920s and 1930s derived from Mark Twain’s novel of the same name, which mocked an era of serious social problems. Mark Twain and Charles Darwin saw the corruption in the politics, the ineffectiveness of the politicians, the frenzy in the marketplace and the widespread greed among the people. The society showed a huge difference in regard to who had something and who didn’t. Most of the poor and lower middle-class

In addition, there were many domestic and foreign policies Philip II created during his rule in power. One policy he created was against the Muslims. As of the year that he created the policy, he lost half of the strength of his navy from losing wars with the Turkish Empire, as talked about before ("Philip II"). While attempting to repair his navy back to its full strength once again, the Muslim pirates attacked Spain. Prisoners were taken, but King Philip was able to bring back his navy, but soon enough, the Turks attacked again and it was looking very poor for Spain at this point ("Good King Philip?"). After many more small wars, both sides were left with very little military presence, so Spain and France signed a truce. Philip II also created a two-fold policy: “He sent ministers to Portugal to build up support for him being king which would have meant Spain absorbing Portugal into her kingdom” (Trueman). He also created a very large army, also stated above. The noblemen of Portugal supported Philip II, and also clearly hoped to get rewards for their support. Nearly all of the problems Philip II faced were results of his policies and problems that were soon to be fixed.

The cold, stormy night was all too familiar to the English. A devious plan by Spain's king, Philip II, was being formed to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I of England and rid the world of the English "heretics."1 It was a story of deception, false judgments, and poor planning. What was one king's dream turned into his country's nightmare. While the Spanish had bad leaders, the English had good ones. The Spanish had bigger, but slower ships, while the English had smaller and faster ships. The English knew the weather conditions and how to prepare for them, while the Spanish thought it would not be a problem. The English entered the battle in a calm manner, while the Spanish were overconfident. All of these

The Gilded Age is a brief time in American history in which the United States experienced a population and rapid economic expansion. Mark Twain named it the “Gilded Age” as this was after the Civil War, lasting from 1870 - 1900. Although, this name was ironic as “gilded” is a term used to describe something that was covered in gold, by this he meant that the Gilded Age was whitewashed but was full of corruption. It shows how the social factors (as seen in documents A,B,C and D), economic factors (as seen in documents G), and political factors (as seen in documents E, H and I)

Spain’s perceived “Golden Age” is a broad classification unconfined to a specific era. The Golden Age has long been affiliated with the growth of a uniquely Spanish identity that arose with the flourishing of arts, architecture and literature expanding notably in the years of Phillip II, and flourishing in the 17th century – the same century traditionalist historians identify as the decline of Spain. To consider the golden age of Spain on a purely art and literature basis however misses the point, the Golden Age in all contexts appeared from the development of the Spanish Empire. On the European stage Spain appeared at the height of its “Golden Age” during the reign of Phillip II, Spain was the centre piece of the world’s greatest power

However, despite the conditions many advancements were made. Therefore, the Middle Ages can be considered a Golden Age. However, it would've been easier to realize this with a document including architectural, philosophical, and other advancements or a document from a city dweller this would've provided a new perspective and insight to other advancements the society came up

Cortés came not to the New World to conquer by force, but by manipulation. Bernal Díaz del Castillo, in the "Conquest of New Spain," describes how Cortés and his soldiers manipulated the Aztec people and their king Montezuma from the time they traveled from Iztapalaopa to the time when Montezuma took Cortés to the top of the great Cue and showed him the whole of Mexico and its countryside, and the three causeways which led into Mexico. Castillo's purpose for recording the mission was to keep an account of the wealth of Montezuma and Mexico, the traditions, and the economic potential that could benefit Cortés' upcoming conquest. However, through these recordings, we are able to see and understand Cortés'

Throughout the history of the United States, the Gilded Age is regarded as a period that spanned the last three decades of the 19th century. This period starts from the Civil War came to an end in the 1865 up to 1900. The term Gilded Age was formulated by writers Charles Warner and Mark Twain in The Gilded Age: A Tale of Toady in 1873. They did this since they believed it to be an era that would be characterized by a variety of severe social problems that were camouflaged by a minute gold gilding.

The Golden age is described as, "Roman victors could return to the land and take up the rural arts once again, but now in freedom. Slaves and servants, being compelled to farm, had degraded agriculture. But by returning to farming in leisure, Virgil expected to re-ennoble both the act and the land." Cockaigne was a place that resources were too easily accessed and in an unlimited amount. They were not motivated to do the duties their typical job entailed because they already had more than they actually needed. They took that for granted of having an abundance of resources and that ended up hurting them.

What were “New Monarchies”? The Middle Ages were the peak of the “New Monarchs.” These monarchies lasted from 1460 to 1550. The “Roman Law” was used by the “New Monarchs.” This law is “civil law.” They proclaimed themselves the rulers of countries, and had the power to create their own laws. In the years before the 17th century, the monarchs did not have autocracy. These monarchs increased taxes on the nobles, and seized their land when they were not cooperative. The monarchies power grew with the “military revolution,” which is when the military plan changed causing the government to also change. The Church’s power was decreased by the monarchs. Monarchs also took out loans which caused an increment in debt. There were three main monarchies: France, England, and Spain.

The Elizabethan era was a time full of superstition and persecution, however it was also the beginning of a new age, The Golden Age as it is commonly referred to. During this time the people of England were beginning to progress, in a scientific and artistic way. Music wasn’t the only thing that was developing, science and philosophy were also flourishing.