Philip III Biography

Son of King Philip II of Spain and his fourth wife and niece Anna, the daughter of the Emperor Maximilian II and Maria of Spain. Birth of Philip III, son of Philip II

Philip III places his affairs entirely in the hands of a favourite, Francisco Gomez de Sandoval y Rojas, marques de Denia, later the duke of Lerma

Succeeds as King of Spain, leaves direction of his Government to the Duke of Lerma

The result of the bubonic plague is an economically weakened Spain with a rapidly falling population. From 15991600 and for several years afterwards there is a terrible outbreak of bubonic plague across Spain, killing over 10% of the population

The result of the bubonic plague is an economically weakened Spain with a rapidly falling population

Philip III marries his cousin, Margaret of Austria

The Battle of Nieuwpoort succeeds in the strategic goal to repel the Dutch invasion of Flanders

After the failure of the Spanish invasion of Ireland, leading to the defeat at the Battle of Kinsale, Philip accepts that further attacks on England are unlikely to succeed

After the failure of the Spanish invasion of Ireland, leading to the defeat at the Battle of Kinsale, Philip accepts that further attacks on England are unlikely to succeed

Philips attempts to issue a new currency, in particular the issues of the copper velon coinage in 1603-4 leads to economic instability

The lengthy Siege of Ostend (1601-1604) demonstrates the balance of power, both sides pour enormous resources into the besieging or defending a town that is reduced to rubble

Ratifies the peace settlement negotiated with James I and the English government.

Accepts peace with the Protestant English monarchy and abandons wartime efforts to restore Catholic rule in England.

Obtains an English commitment to end official military and financial support for the Dutch rebellion.

Gains reciprocal access for Spanish ships to English ports for shelter, supplies and repairs under treaty rules.

Accepts James I's Protestant monarchy and abandons wartime hopes of imposing a Catholic settlement on England.

Secures an end to English wartime attacks that had disrupted Spanish Atlantic shipping and colonial commerce.

Accepts a negotiated settlement that largely restores relations without a decisive territorial victory for either crown.

Accepts peace with James I, ending open war while England ends wartime attacks on Spanish shipping and support for the Dutch revolt.

Ambrogio Spinola, who had succeeded Archduke Albert as commander in the field, eventually captures Ostend, but only at the price of accepting the loss of Sluis

Ambrogio Spinola, who had succeeded Archduke Albert as commander in the field, eventually captures Ostend, but only at the price of accepting the loss of Sluis

The crowns attempt to resolve bankruptcy by converting the asiento tax system high interest loans owed to tax farmers into longer term juros bonds paying a much lower interest, produced a short term benefit, but at the price of losing financial flexibility during future crises. The costs of the Dutch campaign results in Philips bankruptcy in 1607

The United Provinces and the Habsburg Netherlands agree to a ceasefire, valid for eight months and taking effect on 4 May

The United Provinces and the Habsburg Netherlands agree to a ceasefire, valid for eight months and taking effect on 4 May

The peace conference opens in The Hague

The truce enables the Southern Netherlands to recover, it is a de facto recognition of the independence of the Dutch Republic and many European powers establish diplomatic relations with it

Decrees the final expulsion of the Moriscos

Recognizes the Independence of the northern provinces of The Netherlands

Recognizes the Independence of the northern provinces of The Netherlands

Issues a decree for the expulsion of the Moriscos from Spain, timed to coincide with the declaration of a truce in the war for The Netherlands

The Moriscos are accused of collaborating with the Barbary Pirates to attack the coast, whilst their religion and distinct culture make them unpopular with Christians in Spain, especially in Valencia.

The Moriscos are forced out of Spain between 1609 and 1614, to accomplish this, the armada, or navy, and 30,000 soldiers are mobilized with the mission of transporting the families to Tunis or Morocco.

The Moriscos were the descendants of those Muslims that had converted to Christianity during the Reconquista of the previous centuries; despite their conversion, they retained a distinctive culture, including many Islamic practices.

The Moriscos were the descendants of those Muslims that had converted to Christianity during the Reconquista of the previous centuries; despite their conversion, they retained a distinctive culture, including many Islamic practices

The truce enables the Southern Netherlands to recover, it is a de facto recognition of the independence of the Dutch Republic and many European powers establish diplomatic relations with it

The truce enables the Southern Netherlands to recover, it is a de facto recognition of the independence of the Dutch Republic and many European powers establish diplomatic relations with it

A truce with the Dutch is agreed

The Habsburgs agree to treat the United Provinces like an independent state for the duration of the Truce. Philip III ratifies the Peace Treaty. All hostilities will cease for twelve years

The Habsburgs agree to treat the United Provinces like an independent state for the duration of the Truce

Under the Onate Treaty Ferdinand makes a successful appeal to Philips self-interest by promising Spain the Habsburg lands in Alsace in return for Spanish support for his election

Under the Onate Treaty Ferdinand makes a successful appeal to Philips self-interest by promising Spain the Habsburg lands in Alsace in return for Spanish support for his election

Under the Onate Treaty Ferdinand makes a successful appeal to Philips self-interest by promising Spain the Habsburg lands in Alsace in return for Spanish support for his election

The Spanish troops headed by Spinola in the Palatinate and by Johann Tserclaes, Count of Tilly in Bohemia achieve a decisive victory against the Czechs in the Battle of White Mountain