Reign of Philip II of Spain (1556–1598)

1. Philip II inherits Spain and its empire

   Jan 16, 1556Labels: Philip II, Spanish Empire, Castile

   • Britannica
   • Britannica Q A
   • Philip II

2. Victory at Saint-Quentin strengthens Habsburg position

   Aug 10, 1557Labels: Battle of, Habsburg Spain

   • St Quentin
   • Cateau Cambr sis

3. Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis ends war with France

   Apr 3, 1559Labels: Peace of, France

   • Britannica
   • Treaty

4. Philip II makes Madrid the permanent court

   Jan 1, 1561Labels: Madrid, Philip II

   • Britannica
   • San Lorenzo

5. Construction begins on El Escorial complex

   Apr 23, 1563Labels: El Escorial, Philip II

   • El Escorial
   • El Escorial
   • Escorial History

6. Council of Trent closes, defining Catholic reform

   Dec 4, 1563Labels: Council of, Catholic Reformation

   • NCR
   • Britannica

7. Duke of Alba creates the Council of Troubles

   Jan 1, 1567Labels: Duke of, Council of

   • Britannica
   • Dutch Revolt

8. Morisco revolt breaks out in the Alpujarras

   Dec 24, 1568Labels: Morisco Revolt, Kingdom of

   • Alpujarras
   • Britannica

9. Holy League wins at the Battle of Lepanto

   Oct 7, 1571Labels: Battle of, Holy League

   • Britannica
   • Holy League

10. Northern provinces form the Union of Utrecht

    Jan 23, 1579Labels: Union of, Dutch provinces

    • Union Utrecht
    • Royal House
    • Treaty Text

11. Philip II wins control of Portugal’s throne

    Aug 25, 1580Labels: Iberian Union, Portugal

    • Alc ntara
    • Portuguese War
    • Philip II

12. Act of Abjuration renounces allegiance to Philip II

    Jul 26, 1581Labels: Act of, States General

    • Abjuration
    • Union Utrecht

13. Spanish Armada sails and fails to invade England

    May 1, 1588Labels: Spanish Armada, England

    • Britannica
    • Gilder Lehrman

14. Peace of Vervins ends war with France

    May 2, 1598Labels: Peace of, France

    • Vervins
    • Paz Vervins

15. Death of Philip II ends a defining reign

    Sep 13, 1598Labels: Death of, El Escorial

    • Philip II
    • Britannica
    • Cambridge