SEAdvanced Placement European History

Hola, Sexy Devils!

Gossip Girl here, your own and only source into the scandalous lives of sixteenth century peeps. Trouble is moving in, and it's looking to make Europe it's witch.

ME, ME, AND ROUND THREE.

The Golden Century of Spain

The Golden Century of Spain occurred throughout the sixteenth century as Spanish influence (culturally, economically, physically/literally) took over Europe. This was caused by the rush of gold and silver from the Americas.

Here is an image of Spain showing off his magnificent moves.

BOOM! The increasing population within Spain and the areas it expanded into demanded more products. The economy suffered greatly, a byproduct of the Spanish Inquisition, during which the efficient business people (primarily Jews and Muslims) were forced out of Spain. Spain depended on exportation, which costed money. With the few products Spain imported, the country was forced to heighten its prices and could no longer compete with other nations. The debt caused by inflation was tremendous that a price revolution occurred, which devastated the Crown's financial budget.

Spain gradually realizing its economy is failing...

Is the Golden Century of Spain a misnomer?

The Golden Century of Spain refers primarily to its successes in expansion. The Spanish goal was to influence Europe through religion (Catholic) and territorial gains [which normally led to wealth]. Unfortunately, Spain was not equipped to be the strongest nation at the time, essentially caused by the Inquisition (see above).

Spain was not strong enough to deal with the heartbreak - sorry kiddo.

So, while calling the Golden Century of Spain might refer to the cultural triumphs of its time, "the Spanish economic failures make the Golden Age seem more like the Gilded Age." - Cardine

Still getting over my mind being BLOWN.

The Columbian Exchange (Watch it! It helps!)

Spanish Social Hierarchy in the New World:

"The Indians died like fish in a bucket." As illustrated in this chart, Indians were of the lowest class (edit: Africans would be slightly above Native Americans). Territories that lacked natives ["...because they DIED." - Mr. Yarnall] needed to enslave other people, which is why the slave industry becomes so popular - they need people to force into slavery.

So, bow down kitties.

Now for the fun stuff...

Witch Craft (or the "Sexy Devils")

While there are many theories regarding the crazed witch hunts that occurred throughout the fifteenth century in Europe, there are two theories that are the most realistic:

1. Misogyny - dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women.

"Hilary, shut yo mouth!" - Anonymous Misogynist

2. "The European witch hunts were a byproduct of a severe crisis of faith." Thought process of witch hunters: If witches exist, then demons are real. If demons are real, then God exists.

Kinky.

Peasants first coined the idea of witchcraft and the Church initially laughed and their beliefs. However, the more the Church was falling apart (byproduct of 100 Years' War), the less people believed in God. The development of witchcraft and the belief in such an obscure topic is evidence of the Catholic Church's instability during the mid-1400s.

Ok...definitely keep that to yourself.

Witch hunters described highly sexualized events of women (80% of accused witches were women...go figures) being seduced by the devil and having sex, not with another person, but demons.