Philip II Research Paper

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Philip II was born on on May 21, 1598 to the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and Isabella of Portugal (Biography, 1). Philip II accepted his birthright as King of the Spaniards in 1556 (Biography, 1). He was later named King of the Pourtugese in 1580 after his nephew, King Sebastian of Portugal, died (Biography, 2). Philip was married four times, and had eight childre, four of which were sons (The Children, 1). As with many rulers, people had varying opinions of Philip II’s beliefs, methods, and mannerisms. Some who saw him in a bad light and disagreed with his actions referred to him as the “black legend” (Biography, 2). They saw him as a ruthless tyrant who was wrongfully ambitious, lustful and cruel (Biography, 2). Others believed this to be false and referred to him as “Philip the Prudent” (Bio, 1). To them he was the man that brought Spain to a literary golden age (Biography, 2), and helped “the Spanish empire attained its greatest power, extent, and influence” (Biography, 1). Opinions are based on point of views, and Philip II’s subjects saw him in different lights therefore seeing him as a different man. …show more content…

Throughout its history, the faith has been linked closely to the country (Castillian). Philip was raised Catholic, and he was known throughout his entire life for having strong religious views even to the point of enforcing Catholicism on his country and other territories (The Man, 1). Philip wrote to his ambassador in Rome saying, “You may assure His Holiness that rather than suffer the least damage to religion and the service of God, I would lose all my states and an hundred lives, if I had them; for I do not propose nor desire to be the ruler of heretics” (Biography,

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