Accomplishments and Failures
King Phillip of Spain is arguably one of the most influential leaders in Spain's history. Being born into a family that had roots all over europe, his fortune of aquiring land without conquering them was an important aspect of his kingship. (See the biography section to see all of his connections). The lands in which he aquired from his father in 1556 included: Naples, the Netherlands, Sicily, and Milan. In the same year, King Phillip signed the Truce of Vaucelles with France. This truce ended the Hapsburg-Valios conflict. So within the first year of rule, King Phillip ended a battle and expanded Spain. The year after this happened, the team of Spain and England defeated the French at the Battle of St. Quentin. Up until this point, King Phillip was having a great reign, until he was rejected by the Queen of England. Fortunately, the next year, he signed a treaty with France and married Elizabeth of France. In 1567, Phillip II sent the army to put an end to the Protestant uprising in the Netherlands. Because Spain had a powerful army at the time, they were able to take control of the Mediterranean and controlled all of the trade through Europe.
In 1581 by inheriting the throne of Portugal, King Phillip joined both countries by owning both thrones. The combined Spain and Portugal throne made King Phillip's empire a force to be reckoned with. With the military power and wealth, King Phillip received backing from the Pope to invade Europe starting the "Catholic Crusades." Before the war between them could finish, or the wars going on between Spain and the French Huguenots, he passed away. Despite his bad timing
of death, the reign of King Phillip was very sucessful in increacing the power of Spain and continuting the legacy.
In 1581 by inheriting the throne of Portugal, King Phillip joined both countries by owning both thrones. The combined Spain and Portugal throne made King Phillip's empire a force to be reckoned with. With the military power and wealth, King Phillip received backing from the Pope to invade Europe starting the "Catholic Crusades." Before the war between them could finish, or the wars going on between Spain and the French Huguenots, he passed away. Despite his bad timing
of death, the reign of King Phillip was very sucessful in increacing the power of Spain and continuting the legacy.