Modern State Formation and Authoritarian Monarchy in Spain
Modern State Formation and Authoritarian Monarchy
The reign of the Catholic Monarchs marks the beginning of two significant processes: the construction of a modern state and the establishment of an authoritarian monarchy. Traditional historiography often credits them with creating a unified Spanish state. However, the union under the Catholic Monarchs was primarily a personal and dynastic union of the two crowns.
They pursued a political agenda aimed at achieving greater centralization of power, religious unification, modernization of tax administration, increasing international influence, and creating a permanent army. The development of this centralized political program faced significant obstacles, particularly in the Kingdom of Aragon, due to the power and traditions of its Cortes.
Authoritarian Monarchy
The affirmation of the monarchy as an institution, in Castile, was achieved through state restructuring, without creating new institutions. This involved centralizing political power, which led to confrontations with the nobility. Ultimately, the nobility submitted to the Crown, becoming employees while retaining their economic and social power. This affirmation of the monarchy was also supported by a policy of religious unification and fiscal modernization.
In Aragon, the attempts to impose a centralized and authoritarian political system were different due to the confederate nature of the Crown. In Aragon, the royalty accommodated the demands of the high nobility. The Cortes showed hostility by refusing to approve subsidies requested by the king, leading to periods where they were not called. The other kingdoms of the Crown, Valencia, did not pose significant problems due to social stability, while Catalonia experienced a period of weakness due to social struggles, resulting in the retention of institutions but with less power.
Central Administration
The central administration was based on existing institutions. The Royal Council was restructured to become the leading institution in service of the Crown. The powers of the Royal Council of Castile were extensive, acting as a supreme court and advising the monarchy on domestic and international policy, finance, and appointments. This led to an increase in the number of councils and the employment of lawyers and legal experts.
Alongside the councils of both Castile and Aragon were the royal secretaries. These individuals were trusted by the king and acted as liaisons between the monarchy and the councils.
The Cortes
In Castile, the Cortes were controlled by the king, a process that began in the previous century. Their role was limited to receiving the oath of successors to the throne and voting on taxes requested by the Crown. In Aragon, the Cortes remained strong due to the confederal nature of the union and the position held by the representatives.
Territorial Administration
Territorial administration in the municipalities was governed by the Corregidor, a royal appointee tasked with controlling municipalities (cities and villages of the Crown). The Corregidor held administrative, judicial, and military powers. These positions, appointed by the King, resulted in greater control by the Crown.