The Hapsburg family was the main power in Europe throughout the beginning of the period of global expansion, ca. 1500 AD.  They controlled the kingdoms of the Netherlands (which encompassed more than just the modern country, including Belgium and other surrounding areas, Austria, Germany, and Luxembourg.

When Philip I, a Hapsburg, married Joanna of Castile, the daughter of the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand II and Isabella, the Hapsburgs gained control of the Spanish lands—Castile, Aragon, Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, and Milan.

Hapsburg Family Crest

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Charles V was the son of Philip I and Joanna. Even from a young age, he was destined to have close contacts in high places. One of his major influences as a child was his tutor, Adrian of Utrecht, who later became Pope Adrian VI.

When Philip I died in 1506, Charles inherited the Hapsburg lands. When Ferdinand died in 1516, Charles claimed he should get control of Spain . He said that he was the next in line, as his mother was driven insane by the death of her husband Philip, and was unable to rule. Joanna carried around her husband's dead body, and refused to let him go so he could be buried. So, the Hapsburg “corporation” acquired another nation under its power— Spain.

Onto Charles V's Problems...