Filips II en de strijd om Europa: oorlog en opstand in de zestiende eeuw

Abstract

"The turbulent world of Philip II, the most powerful man in Europe. Few people have influenced the history of Belgium and the Netherlands as much as the Spanish king Philip II. From the fortress of El Escorial, the monarch kept a tight rein on the largest empire of the sixteenth century. He waged war against the Ottoman Empire, England and the Netherlands. Philip's religious fanaticism, his centralisation policy and his harsh actions against the Dutch Revolt ultimately led to the separation of the Northern and Southern Netherlands, and the borders we know today. In Philip II and the Battle for Europe, a group of eminent historians and art historians sketch a richly varied picture of Philip II and his time, supported by beautiful paintings, maps and prints. You will read how Philip carefully tried to build up his reputation among his subjects, but ultimately came to be known as an incestuous child murderer and colonialist tyrant. That he defended the Catholic faith against the Ottomans with cunning diplomacy and thundering cannons. And that innovation in military tactics, construction and materials kept the Spanish Empire strong in the turbulent sixteenth century, despite a virtually empty treasury."-- Provided by vendor.