The Catholic Monarchs: Foundations of Spanish Hegemony

The Catholic Monarchs and the Dawn of the Modern Age

In Spain, the Modern Age began with the Catholic Monarchs (Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon). They laid the foundations for Spanish hegemony in Europe, which was consolidated during the 16th century by Charles V and Philip II.

The Dynastic Union of Castile and Aragon

The marriage of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon in 1469 was the first step towards the union of the Kingdom of Castile and the states belonging to the Crown of Aragon.

Nature of the Union

This was only a dynastic union, meaning the two kingdoms maintained separate laws and institutions. Their political structures differed significantly:

• Aragon: The monarch had to consult the Cortes, so the king's power was limited.
• Castile: The Castilian monarchy was centralized, and the monarch held all the power. The Cortes were controlled by the Queen.

Strengthening the State: Authoritarian Monarchy

The Catholic Monarchs reinforced their power and established an authoritarian monarchy through several key actions:

1. Territorial Unification: This involved the annexation of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada (1492), concluding the conquest of the peninsula. The process was concluded by the annexation of the Kingdom of Navarre (1512). Efforts were also made to prepare a future union with Portugal through marriage ties.
2. Religious Unity: They established the Tribunal of the Inquisition to prosecute heretics and Judaizers.
3. Establishment of the Modern State: The Monarchs imposed their authority over the nobility, clergy, and municipalities. They exerted control over the high-ranking nobility, intervened in the appointment of bishops, and controlled the property of the military orders. They reduced the autonomy of the municipalities and hardly ever summoned the Cortes.

Administrative Reforms

The Catholic Monarchs reformed the administration by creating councils made up of jurists and establishing high courts (Chancillerías and Audiencias).

Foreign Policy and Expansion of Castile and Aragon

Foreign policy, which was largely planned by Ferdinand the Catholic, was focused on three main areas: Africa, the Atlantic, and Europe.

• Castile: Conquered fortresses in North Africa in competition with Portugal. Spain continued its expansion in the Atlantic region (leading to the discovery of America).
• Aragon: Focused on rivalry with France, leading to the recapture of Roussillon and Cerdanya in Southern France.

Defining the Modern Age

The Modern Age is the historical period spanning from the end of the Middle Ages until the Contemporary Age. Its traditional starting points include:

• The Discovery of America (1492)
• The Fall of Constantinople (1453)
• The French Revolution (1789, often cited as the end of the period)

Main Global Changes

• End of the Byzantine Empire (Constantinople was invaded by the Turks).
• Great Geographical Discoveries in America, Africa, and Asia.