The Catholic Monarchs: Power Consolidation and Spanish Unity

The Third Joint of the New Monarchy

Consolidation of Royal Power

The reign of the Catholic Monarchs meant the imposition of an authoritarian model of monarchy, especially in Castile. Isabel and Fernando proposed to impose the authority of the king above any other power. In the Crown of Aragon, medieval institutions remained in force, but the figure of the Viceroy was introduced, and the insaculación (selection by lot) was established for selecting local executives. This aimed to prevent the urban oligarchy from monopolizing the government of the cities. In Castile, the monarchy succeeded in imposing its power and achieving a comprehensive reform of institutions.

An Authoritarian Monarchy in Castile

When Isabella ascended the throne of Castile, the kingdom faced a situation of anarchy and disorder. Thugs proliferated in the countryside, and gangs in different cities vied for power, while nobles settled their differences. To address this situation, the Holy Brotherhood was established, charged with pursuing wrongdoers and criminals.

The Cortes kept its advisory character, but the influence of the nobles decreased with the creation of a system of Councils, formed by jurists chosen and paid by the King. Furthermore, a professional and permanent army was established.

To secure control over justice, the Monarchs created the Royal Audiencia. To fund the new institutions, the bookkeeping system of the Royal Treasury (Real Hacienda) was set up. To exert more direct control, the appointment of corregidores became widespread; these royal officials presided over the county and exercised governmental functions.

Achieving Religious Uniformity

Religious uniformity became a primary target of the Catholic Monarchs. Jews were urged to convert, and those who refused were persecuted and expelled from Spain in 1492.

Following the conquest of Granada, Muslims were initially guaranteed the right to maintain their religion and customs. However, Cardinal Cisneros ended this tolerance, promoting compulsory baptisms, which resulted in the appearance of the Moriscos (Muslim converts).

To control the maintenance of Catholic orthodoxy and monitor converts, the Monarchs reinstituted the Court of the Inquisition, which became the main instrument used to achieve religious unity.