Dynastic Union of Castile and Aragon: A Historical Overview
Dynastic Union
Catalonia and Aragon
In the Principality of Catalonia, several conflicts took on the character of social struggles. In Barcelona, traditional labor groups clashed with traders and master craftsmen. This conflict had its precedent in the war of the remensa peasants, where peasant groups sought to break the oppression of the landed gentry. This social unrest was exacerbated by a civil war that affected all realms of the Crown of Aragon. The war between the two sides extended throughout the realms. During the conflict, in which the Crown of Castile also intervened, John II was deposed as king by the Generalitat of Catalonia. The Crown of Castile also experienced conflict due to social struggles such as the Irmandiño Wars. Throughout the century, the political arena was plagued by factional fighting among the nobility. The conflict led to civil war because of the struggle for the throne between supporters of King Henry IV. Upon the death of Henry IV, most of the Castilian nobility sided with Juana and did not recognize Elizabeth as queen. Juana was supported by Portugal and France.
Union of Castile and Aragon
Ten years after the marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, the dynastic union of Castile and the Crown of Aragon took place. This personal union became a political union that raised three common goals: dominance of the Iberian Peninsula, religious unification, and the centralization of power. The agreement did not involve the territorial and institutional unity of the two crowns, as each component of the monarchy maintained its political institutions. The Castilian Cortes were summoned and lost importance on a few occasions. Ferdinand II introduced two new institutions: the viceroy, or royal deputy in each of the kingdoms with executive and judicial powers, and the Council of Aragon, created in 1494. These institutions were highly significant as they indicated the increasing power of the monarchy against the nobility and the urban oligarchies. The only institution with jurisdiction over both crowns was the Holy Inquisition, or Spanish Inquisition. The Catholic Monarchs attempted full political unity of the entire peninsula by incorporating the Kingdom of Granada, the Kingdom of Navarre, and Portugal. After the conquest of Granada, expansion then turned towards the small Kingdom of Navarre. Ferdinand occupied Pamplona and annexed Navarre to Castile.
Expansion and Religious Unification
The Catholic Monarchs continued expansionary policies that had taken place in Castile and Aragon outside the Iberian Peninsula. Their unifying desires also extended to the religious sphere. Social and political pressures forced many Jews to convert to Christianity; they were called conversos. Some of them continued to practice their ancient religion in secret. The Catholic Monarchs forced Jews to convert to Christianity or emigrate. Muslims also suffered frequent pressure of all kinds to abandon their customs and religion.
Foreign Policy and Expansion
The Catholic Monarchs pursued foreign expansion through two strategies: deliberate policy and military interventions. The Catholic Monarchs maintained a great rivalry with France for dominance of the Italian states. Through the signing of agreements, they intensified their control over the Canary Islands. The Treaty of Alcáçovas-Toledo recognized Elizabeth I as queen. The discovery of the New World and all its important consequences took place later. The Portuguese and Castilians had begun attempts to reach the East. Columbus offered the Catholic Monarchs a plan to reach India by following a westward route. In April 1492, they signed the Capitulations of Santa Fe, and on October 12, Columbus reached the West Indies.
American Foreign Policy
Shifting Alliances and Territorial Aims
The new reigning dynasty took a radical turn in Spanish international policy. It no longer aimed to defend the Kingdom’s territories in Europe, lost after the Peace of Utrecht. The new international guidelines were led by friendship with the old enemy, France, due to the family relationships that now existed between the ruling families in both monarchies. Spain was drawn into numerous disputes between these two powers. Under Philip V, foreign policy was geared towards the recovery of territories lost by the Treaty of Utrecht. Ministers such as Alberoni and Ripperdá led this project with the aim of returning Italian territories from Austrian to Spanish hands. Minister Patiño led the rapprochement with France, which resulted in the signing of the first two Family Compacts in 1733 and 1743 with the French Bourbons. The future Charles III was appointed king of Naples-Sicily in 1734, and his brother Philip succeeded to the Duchy of Parma-Piacenza in 1748.
Neutrality and Renewed Conflict
The first two Family Compacts did not produce significant results. During the reign of Ferdinand VI, Spain adopted a more neutral foreign policy and continued peaceful relations. However, British interference in the American colonies led Spain, from the accession to the throne of Charles III, to become involved again in European politics. In 1761, Spain signed the third Family Compact, which led to participation in several wars with France against Great Britain. Spain participated with France in favor of the colonies revolting against Britain in the American Revolutionary War. The British defeat enabled Spain to recover Menorca and Florida through the Peace of Versailles.
Alliance with France and American Influence
During the reign of Charles IV, Spanish foreign policy shifted from confrontation with France to alliance. The 18th century was a period of economic growth for the Spanish colonies in America. Their population increased by almost 50%. It is estimated that by mid-century there were 15 million inhabitants. This was the most splendid era for cities in all the viceroyalties. The economy was invigorated by strong growth in commercial activities, which benefited major port cities. This splendor led to a rich and cultivated urban bourgeoisie, which, along with landowners, constituted the privileged social group. From the time of U.S. independence, the natives began to feel sympathy towards the liberal ideas that had been defended by the leaders of the American Revolution.
American Revolution.