The Catholic Monarchs and the Foundation of the Modern State

The Catholic Monarchy and the Foundation of the Modern State

Political Institutions

The marriage of the Catholic Monarchs united the crowns of Castile and Aragon under a single sovereign. While each crown retained its own customs, language, and laws, the monarchs introduced reforms to strengthen royal authority, resulting in an authoritarian monarchy supported by new administrative bodies known as councils.

Castile served as the foundation of the Catholic monarchy due to its larger population and superior economic resources. Key political reforms included:

• Remodeling the Royal Council: Structured during the Cortes of Toledo in 1480 into specialized rooms for justice and administration, serving as a precedent for the Habsburg boards.
• Judicial Reform: The creation of the Chancery of Granada.
• Fiscal Policy: Increased state revenue through royal income and the incorporation of maestrazgos.
• Public Order: The institution of the Santa Hermandad and the reduction of municipal autonomy.

In Aragon, Ferdinand II modified existing institutions and strengthened the powers of the Lieutenant General.

Religious Policy

The monarchs aimed to establish an authoritarian state by exerting control over ecclesiastical power. They secured the right of patronage in the Canary Islands and Granada from Pope Innocent VIII.

• The Spanish Inquisition: Established in 1478 by a bull from Sixtus IV to ensure the purity of faith, particularly among converts. It became a powerful political instrument of control, reaching its peak under Grand Inquisitor Fray Tomás de Torquemada. It remained the only institution common to both Castile and Aragon.
• Religious Minorities: The Jews were expelled in 1492. Following the surrender of Granada, the Moorish population was forced to convert in 1502, becoming known as Moriscos.

Economy and Society

The Castilian economy was primarily driven by the sheep industry and the export of raw materials. The privileges of the Mesta were increased, while the textile industry remained oriented toward domestic consumption. The nobility expanded their landholdings, and communal property remained significant.

In Catalonia, the social conflict regarding the remensa peasants was resolved by the Arbitral Award of Guadalupe in 1486, which abolished the "bad customs" and regulated the obligations of farmers regarding rent and censuses.