The Reign of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain: A Transformation
1. Dynastic Union
The marriage of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon laid the foundation for the dynastic union of the two Crowns. Jointly ruled, this union expanded in 1512 with the conquest of the Kingdom of Navarre, linking it to Castile. Attempts to incorporate Portugal through royal marriages proved unsuccessful. This dynastic union, not a political one, meant each kingdom retained its laws, privileges, and institutions, sharing only the monarch. Castile held primacy due to its larger population, economic weight, and a political system that ensured royal authority.
2. Reorganization of the State
The Catholic Monarchs established the foundations of an authoritarian monarchy, limiting the nobility’s political power while maintaining their economic and social standing. This led to a more complex administration and a growing bureaucracy, recruited from legal scholars. The Royal Council became the central governing body, supplemented by specialized councils for the Inquisition, Aragon, and military orders. A formal justice system emerged, with Chancillerias (higher courts) and Audiencias established in Castile, and Audiencias in each Aragonese kingdom. The Castilian Cortes (parliament) was controlled by the monarchs. Local governance saw the strengthening of the mayor’s authority, extending this institution to Aragonese cities.
3. Conquest of the Nasrid Kingdom
The reign of Ferdinand and Isabella witnessed the end of the last Muslim stronghold in the Iberian Peninsula: the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. The Granada War (1481-1492) was fueled by internal strife among the Granadine nobility, the consolidated resources of the united kingdoms, and the promise of conquered lands to the Castilian nobility. Resistance, as in Malaga, resulted in enslavement, while agreed surrenders, through capitulations, respected property, laws, and religion. In 1492, Boabdil, the last Emir of Granada, surrendered, annexing the kingdom to Castile, albeit with a substantial Mudejar population.
4. The Discovery of America
Rejected by Portugal, Columbus’s proposal to reach Asia by sailing west was supported by the Catholic Monarchs through the Capitulations of Santa Fe, granting him authority and a share of the riches. Landing in the Bahamas on October 12, 1492, Columbus believed he had reached the Indies. Subsequent voyages aimed to find a westward passage to India. The Treaty of Tordesillas addressed Portuguese concerns, dividing the Atlantic and legitimizing Portuguese claims in Brazil.
5. Expansion in Italy and North Africa
The unified kingdoms of Castile and Aragon became a significant power, expanding their influence into North Africa and Italy. Castile focused on North Africa to prevent Muslim incursions and control Barbary pirates, leading to the conquest of Melilla (1497) and other coastal cities. Aragon’s interest in Italy, particularly Naples, led to war with France in 1501. Ferdinand’s forces, led by the Great Captain, defeated the French, securing Naples for Aragon.