The Catholic Monarchs: Forging a Modern Spanish State
The Catholic Monarchs: Building the Modern State
Dynastic Union: Integration of Castile and Aragon
The marriage of Isabella and Ferdinand II laid the groundwork for the future territorial union of the peninsula. It is considered dynastic because both monarchs came from the same dynasty. The monarchs were referred to by the Pope as the ‘Catholic Monarchs’ due to their actions. The marriage did not immediately unite the kingdoms, as both remained independent until they became rulers. In 1475, the Harmony of Segovia established an agreement for governing both kingdoms until Isabella’s death in 1504 and the failure of Juana’s regency under her husband Ferdinand in 1506 after Philip the Fair’s death.
Conquest of Granada and Incorporation of Navarre
The causes of the conflict in Granada focused on strengthening royal authority, unifying the Iberian Peninsula territorially and religiously. There were hardly any pitched battles; sieges were resolved by relying on cannons and exploiting conflicts among Muslims. The conquest of Granada occurred in two stages, western and eastern. The surrender of Granada was finalized with capitulation and occupation in January 1492. Navarre was annexed to Castile in 1515, following Ferdinand’s appointment as King of Navarre in 1513. Navarre retained its institutions and jurisdictions, only losing the political power exercised by the Viceroy.
Integration of the Canary Islands and Approach to Portugal
The Catholic Monarchs reclaimed rights over the Canary Islands, challenging the lords who controlled them. In 1479, peace was signed with Portugal through the Treaty of Alcáçovas. This treaty recognized Isabella as Queen of Castile and her sovereignty over the Canaries. Castile, in turn, recognized Portugal’s navigation rights southward along the African coast, solidified by the marriage of the Catholic Monarchs’ daughter.
Organization of Government: Government Institutions
The establishment of an authoritarian monarchy in both realms ended the political power of the nobility. Modernization of tax administration included reforming councils, limiting short-term appointments, extending the post of mayor in municipalities, reforming chanceries, and developing encoding. Royal ordinances were issued, security focused on a standing royal army with artillery, the Holy Brotherhood acted as police, and control of military orders and the mastership of Fernando el Católico was established. In the religious sphere, the creation of the Inquisition, an ecclesiastical court common to Castile and Aragon, and the forced religious union in 1492 and 1502 after the expulsion of the Jews were highlighted.
Outreach: Italian and North African Politics
Ferdinand of Aragon desired to incorporate Naples. His rival in this endeavor was France, so diplomatic politics focused on isolating France and engaging in continued clashes between the two kingdoms, culminating in Ferdinand’s victory with the help of Castilian troops. In 1503, Naples was joined to Aragon.
African politics was linked to the interests of Castile, particularly following the death of Isabella I. Cisneros, during his regency, took the initiative to occupy parts of North Africa to prevent pirate activities.