Spanish Monarchy: Formation & Decline (1492-1700)
1. Catholic Monarchs (1492-1700)
1.1. Territorial Configuration
The marriage of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon in 1469 initiated significant events:
- Consolidation of the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon.
- Creation of a unified national state through the conquest of Granada (January 2, 1492), ending the Reconquista.
- Occupation of Navarre in 1512.
- Strategic marriages to isolate France (e.g., Joanna to Philip of Habsburg, Catherine to Henry VIII of England).
The state had a confederal nature, with Castile holding a dominant position due to its size and resources.
The monarchs implemented policies for social and institutional reorganization, including:
- Creation of the Holy Brotherhood (armed police force).
- Appointment of corregidores (royal representatives in cities).
- Modernization of the Royal Council.
- Strengthening of bureaucracy and treasury.
- Formation of a professional army.
- Use of religion as a tool for political and social unity (Inquisition, 1478).
- Strict control over the appointment of bishops.
1.2. Population and Economy
Castile’s population grew, facilitating recruitment, colonization, and military expeditions. The Crown of Aragon experienced a population decline in the 15th century.
The economy was primarily agrarian, with two phases:
- 16th century: Increased production due to peace, but subsistence crises persisted.
- 17th century: Agricultural crisis exacerbated by price increases, depopulation, and declining trade.
Land concentration occurred, and livestock farming benefited from demand for wool, though later declined.
Manufacturing saw some growth but couldn’t compete with foreign imports.
2. Discovery of America
Christopher Columbus, sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs, sought a westward route to Asia, reaching Guanahani in 1492.
Colonization began in 1493, with Puerto Rico (1509) and Cuba (1511) following.
2.2. Contributions of Extremadura
Explorers from Extremadura, like Hernán Cortés, Francisco Pizarro, Vasco Núñez de Balboa, Francisco de Orellana, and Pedro de Valdivia, played key roles in conquering and colonizing the Americas.
2.3. Creation of the Spanish Colonial Empire
The Spanish established a vast empire, aided by technological superiority and internal divisions among indigenous populations.
Economic interests focused on precious metals, with the Crown controlling mining.
Systems like the encomienda and mita exploited indigenous labor, despite efforts by figures like Bartolomé de las Casas.
A mestizo society emerged, and diseases decimated the indigenous population.
Politically, viceroyalties were established (New Spain, Peru, New Granada), with provinces governed by officials.
The Casa de Contratación (House of Trade) in Seville and the Council of the Indies managed colonial affairs.
3. Felipe II
The Catholic Monarchy was a confederation of nations under a common monarch and religion, with a shared foreign policy.
It included Castile, Leon, the West Indies, the Philippines, the Netherlands, and Franche-Comté.
Wealth from the Americas made it a major power, but internal and external conflicts weakened it (France, Flanders, Ottoman Empire, England).
4. Authoritarian to Absolute Monarchy
The Habsburgs centralized power, despite resistance from the Cortes (parliaments).
Charles I faced the Revolt of the Comuneros.
Philip II established Madrid as the capital and developed a centralized administration.
The Cortes were summoned frequently due to financial needs.
A professional army was maintained, financed by loans and increased taxes.
5. Crisis of the Catholic Monarchy (17th Century)
5.1. Demographic and Economic Crisis
Castile lost 20% of its population due to plague and emigration.
The expulsion of the Moriscos (1610) worsened the crisis.
Agricultural decline, inflation, and industrial ruin occurred.
Trade collapsed due to internal issues and European competition.
5.2. Lesser Habsburgs and Political Decline
Power shifted to an aristocratic oligarchy.
The Cortes lost political influence.
Philip III, Philip IV, and Charles II faced economic problems, military defeats, and territorial losses.
The War of the Spanish Succession arose from Charles II’s death.
6. Charles I’s Inheritance
Charles I inherited an empire with a traditional European conception.
He faced challenges from France, the Ottoman Empire, Protestantism, and German princes.
He eventually divided his possessions between his brother Ferdinand and his son Philip II.