Inherits vast empire

Philip was born in Valladolid, Spain, on May 21, 1527. He was the son of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V (1500–1558; see entry). In 1543, at age sixteen, Philip married his cousin, Maria of Portugal. She lived only two years, leaving a son, Don Carlos. Charles then arranged for Philip to marry Mary I (called Bloody Mary; 1516–1558; ruled 1553–58) of England, the Catholic queen of a basically Protestant country. Charles did this to consolidate his empire. Philip moved to England, but his stay was not a happy one. Mary died in 1558 and was succeeded by her...