Philip II: Was he really an absolute ruler?
By definition, an absolute monarch is a ruler who governs alone and is not restrained by laws, a constitution, or customs. Going along with this, Philip II was an absolute monarch. In the time of his reign, he conquered more land than he lost, not caring who was offended or taken over. Being the direct Christian ruler he was, he wanted others to be a part of his religion. He ultimately made this a goal, and in the long run, ended up fighting with other rulers, particularly Protestant rulers. He conquered and converted where and who he wished to.
Having absolute power, he declared a war whenever he wished to. Philip asked no one else for their input or if he had permission to declare war, he just sent his armies at will. Being in so many religious disputes, this often caused problems for him and his reign because in the end, there was a debt to be paid off by future rulers.
Overall, Philip II exercised his power happily. After starting his life as a timid, school-loving child, he grew up to be a military-centered ruler who did what he want, when he wanted to, often looking towards his own personal beliefs for ideas and answers.
Having absolute power, he declared a war whenever he wished to. Philip asked no one else for their input or if he had permission to declare war, he just sent his armies at will. Being in so many religious disputes, this often caused problems for him and his reign because in the end, there was a debt to be paid off by future rulers.
Overall, Philip II exercised his power happily. After starting his life as a timid, school-loving child, he grew up to be a military-centered ruler who did what he want, when he wanted to, often looking towards his own personal beliefs for ideas and answers.