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May 21, 1527
Birth
Philip II is born in Valladolid, Spain. He is born into the family of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. -
Period: May 21, 1527 to Jun 1, 1556
Charles V Writes Secret Memoranda
Throughout Philip's II childhood, he was fed information by his father, Charles V, regarding religion and government. His father told him that God had entrusted him to keeping his religion strong and that no good ruler trusts their advisors too much. This led Philip II to be deeply religious, as shown by his crusades, and have no trust in his officials, shown through his murder of his own officials. -
Jun 1, 1543
Married to Mary of Portugal
He was married to her until 1546 when she died. Before her death, however, they had a child named Don Carlos. This affected the way he ruled over his people because he was not so worried about having an heir anymore and was able to rule without fear of his family losing control over Spain. -
Period: Jun 1, 1548 to Jun 1, 1551
Traveled Abroad
During this time, Philip II traveled in Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands. He was an awkward, quiet person, however, and did not speak an language other than Castilian fluently. This led to negativity from the German and Flemish nobility alongside his unpopularity with them. -
Jun 1, 1554
Married to Mary Tudor of England
He was married to her until 1558 when she died of stomach cancer. This marriage was not well liked by the English as the Spaniards had long since been the European rivals of England and its people. There was even a revolt before the marriage by a man named Thomas Wyatt, which failed. This marriage strengthened the bond between England and Spain until his invasion with the Spanish Armada. -
Period: Jun 1, 1556 to
Span of Reign
Philip ruled over Spain during this time and acquired Portugal in 1580. He kept his control over both until his relinquishing of power in 1598 with his death. -
Jun 1, 1559
Married Elizabeth of Valois
This marriage was the result of the Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis, which ended open wars between Spain and France. This marriage bore Philip II two daughters, Isabella Clara Eugenia and Catherine Micaela. -
Jun 1, 1563
El Escorial Started
King Philip II begins the construction of his palace and monastery El Escorial. -
Jun 1, 1566
Philip Writes to his Ambassador in Rome
“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.” These were the words of Philip to his ambassador, which speaks to his religious faith and his dedication to God and his word, so much so that he would die rather than rule over heretics. -
Jun 1, 1570
Married Anna of Austria
Anna was the daughter of his first cousin, Maximillian II. The only surviving child after her death in 1580 was Philip III. Philip III was the kin of Philip II that would carry on the rule over Spain after the death of Philip II. -
El Escorial Finished
The construction of Philip's II palace and monastery is completed. He had a monastery/cathedral built into his palace because of his deep Catholic faith. He also ruled under the 'consultas' policy in his office located inside the palace. With this principle, he was able to control all aspects of his government and dominion without actually ever leaving Spain. -
Mary Stuart is Executed
Philip II was planning to make Mary the Catholic Queen of England. Her execution sparked a distaste for Protestant England, which caused him to have a lust for conquering Protestant England and converting it to Catholicism. -
Death
King Philip II died of cancer at his palace, El Escorial.
