Catholic Monarchs' Reign: Unifying Spain Through Reforms
Aragon's Recovery and Economic Reforms
The Crown of Aragon embarked on a slow but significant recovery. A primary objective was to quell peasant unrest in Catalonia, addressed by the Arbitral Sentence of Guadalupe (1486). This decree aimed to resolve disputes over certain feudal rights, specifically the oppressive practices known as malos usos (evil customs).
In Catalonia, laws were also enacted to promote trade, shipping, and manufacturing. For instance, the import of wool was taxed with tariffs to protect local industries.
Castilian Economy: Wool and American Wealth
During the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, the Spanish economy continued to be heavily reliant on sheep farming. Castilian wool remained the primary export product, shipped to Flanders and England via the ports of Biscay.
The vast flocks of sheep required extensive pasture lands, often at the expense of agricultural production. The monarchy actively protected the interests of sheep farmers, promulgating laws that safeguarded the powerful Mesta, a powerful organization of Castilian livestock owners.
The Spanish economy received a significant boost from the colonization of America. The influx of gold and silver from the New World stimulated economic activity across the kingdom.
Religious Unification and the Inquisition
The establishment of religious uniformity across their realms became a paramount priority for the new monarchy of the Catholic Monarchs.
Initially, Jews were urged to convert to Christianity. Those who refused were not immediately persecuted, but ultimately, in 1492, they were expelled from Spain.
Following the conquest of Granada, there was an initial promise that Muslims could retain their religion and customs. However, from 1499, actions by a cardinal ended this tolerance and promoted compulsory baptisms, leading to the emergence of the Moriscos (converted Muslims). By 1502, all Muslims in Spain were forcibly converted to Christianity or faced exile.
To maintain control and monitor the orthodoxy of these new Catholic converts, the Catholic Monarchs re-established the Court of the Inquisition (1478). This institution became the primary instrument for achieving religious unity and enforcing Catholic doctrine.
Establishing Authoritarian Monarchy
When Isabella I ascended to the throne of Castile, the kingdom was in a state of anarchy and disorder. In the countryside, thieves proliferated, while in the cities, powerful factions engaged in private wars, and nobles often resolved their differences through armed conflict.
To combat this widespread lawlessness, the monarchs created the Santa Hermandad (Holy Brotherhood), an armed force tasked with pursuing criminals and maintaining order.
While the traditional Cortes (parliaments) maintained their consultative status, the influence of nobles and royal advisors significantly decreased with the establishment of a new system of royal councils. These councils were composed primarily of lawyers chosen and paid directly by the king, centralizing power.
The monarchs also created a standing professional army, directly controlled by the Crown, further consolidating their authority.
To ensure more effective control over justice, the monarchs established the Royal Audiencias (high courts). Furthermore, to exercise more direct control over cities, they appointed corregidores (magistrates), royal officials who presided over city councils and served as local government representatives, ensuring royal oversight.