HOW WAS SUCCESSFUL A RULER WAS PHILIP II? To fully answer this question it is necessary to truly evaluate each of his policies with dealing his enemies and compatriots both foreign and domestic throughout his reign. This essay will attempt to take each main area of conflict in his life and provide clear indications as to the degree of success that Philip achieved.Philip’s character itself is a critical as his personality and characteristics convey, not only himself, but also his empire to others. It is believed by some historians that Philip was a far poorer leader than his father, Charles I, who had reigned before him. Philip grew up to be an outsider and carried this flaw with him into leadership. He never fully trusted anyone and so was incapable of calling upon others resources to aid him. He controlled a multi-cultural empire but was held very basic skills in the languages which he needed to communicate with all of his subjects. The only language he spoke fluently was Spanish and he lived in Castille throughout his time at the throne, which made the people from more far-flung areas of his kingdom begin to distrust him, and treat him more as a Castillian than one of their own. He was a devout catholic and a strong belief in ridding the continent of all forms of heresy at any cost, which could often cloud his judgement in making key decisions. All of the above contributed to his troublesome reign as leader.The moriscos were the Muslim population inhabiting the south of Spain. Throughout Phillip’s reign his primary objective had been to expel all forms of heresy and to have only his own Catholicism as the surviving religion. The moriscos existence had come about through Phillip’s efforts to convert them into the Christian lifestyle. This name was given to the converted Muslims, or ‘new’ Christians. His policy was to attempt to make the moriscos genuine coverts through the teaching and persuas...
