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Article: Spanish empire: Good King Philip?(quadricentenary celebration honoring )(Philip II of Spain )
- Article from:
- The Economist (US)
- Article date:
- December 12, 1998
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1998 Economist Newspaper Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Despite the Inquisition, Philip II of Spain really deserves a better press
HIS was the first global empire, and in time it became the world's largest dominion. When he died, 400 years ago in 1598, the Spanish king, Philip II, left behind an empire that stretched westwards from the Mediterranean to the shores of the Pacific. He was a cautious and scrupulous man, possessed of a heavy sense of duty, and believing himself to be the one true defender of the Catholic church against the twin threats of Protestantism and Islam. The external vestiges of his power were impressive and rigorously promoted. In truth, his monarchy was over-stretched and up to its neck in debt. ...