Charles of Habsburg, also known as Charles V, was born on February 24, 1500, in Ghent, to Philip of Burgundy and Joan of Castile. He inherited a vast territory from his grandparents, including Spain, the Netherlands, and Austria. In 1517, Charles became the first Spanish king of the Austrian dynasty at the age of 17, despite not speaking Spanish and being unfamiliar with the country.
Charles's reign was marked by conflicts, including the Revolt of the Comuneros, a rebellion against his rule in Spain, and wars with France and the Ottoman Empire. He also faced opposition from German princes who had converted to Protestantism. Despite these challenges, Charles managed to maintain his power and was crowned Emperor by Pope Clement VII in 1530.
However, Charles's military campaigns against the Ottoman Empire were largely unsuccessful, and he was unable to stop the spread of Protestantism in Europe. In 1555, the Peace of Augsburg was signed, granting religious freedom to German princes and marking a significant defeat for Charles.
Tired of war, Charles abdicated in 1556, dividing his domains among his son Philip and brother Ferdinand. He retired to a monastery in Spain, where he died on September 21, 1558. Despite his failures, Charles V is remembered as one of the most powerful sovereigns in Christendom.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. Charles of Habsburg was born on February 24, 1500, in Ghent.
2. He was the son of Philip of Burgundy and Joan of Castile.
3. His grandparents were Emperor Maximilian of Austria and Mary of Burgundy, and King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain.
4. Charles inherited territories from his grandparents, including Spain, the Netherlands, and parts of Italy and North Africa.
5. He was proclaimed King of Spain by the courts of Castile in Valladolid in 1518.
6. Charles appointed a regent, Adrian of Utrecht, to govern Spain while he was away.
7. He married Isabella of Portugal in 1526.
8. Charles became Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 1519.
9. He faced opposition from the French king, Francis I, and the Ottoman Empire.
10. Charles fought several wars, including the Battle of Mühlberg, but was unable to stop the spread of Protestantism.
11. He signed the Peace of Augsburg in 1555, granting religious freedom to German princes.
12. Charles abdicated in 1556, dividing his territories between his son Philip and his brother Ferdinand.
13. He retired to the monastery of Yuste in Cáceres, Spain, where he died on September 21, 1558.
14. Charles was buried in the monastery of El Escorial.