Isabel and Ferdinand: Architects of the Spanish Monarchy and Empire

The Catholic Monarchs: Isabel I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon

Dynastic Union

The Dynastic Union was a partnership between the two states, Castile and Aragon. They were committed to supporting each other in all necessary matters, but they did not merge into a single state structure.

Territorial Unification of Spain

Key steps in the territorial unification included:

• 1492: Conquest of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada.
• 1496: Conquest of the Canary Islands.
• 1512: Incorporation of the Kingdom of Navarre.

The Emergence of an Authoritarian Monarchy

The Catholic Monarchs focused on strengthening the institution of the monarchy, particularly in Castile. Isabella gained the power to impose royal authority and took the first steps toward creating a true state structure through the following actions:

• Holy Brotherhood (Santa Hermandad): Maintained public order.
• Chancillerías (Royal Courts): High judicial bodies.
• Royal Councils (Consejos): Advisory bodies to the Crown.
• Aldermen (Corregidores): Royal representatives in municipalities.
• Ecclesiastical Tribunal of the Inquisition: Established in Castile to ensure religious orthodoxy.

Religious Unification and Expulsions

• Expulsion of the Jewish Community (1492): A measure to enforce religious uniformity.
• Forced Conversion of Muslims (1502): The Muslim religion officially ceased to exist in the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon.

Muslim converts were called Moors (Moriscos).

The Origin of an International Power

The union of Aragon and Castile, despite their past differences, resulted in a single foreign policy for the Hispanic Monarchy.

International Expansion and Policy Directions

• Mediterranean Policy: Inherited from Aragon, this renewed the conflict with France for control of Italy.
• Atlantic and North African Policy: Driven by Castile, this included the conquest of the Canary Islands and Melilla, and the discovery of America.

Christopher Columbus and the New World

Christopher Columbus gambled on the belief that the Earth was round, making it possible to reach the same point along different directions. With the Ottoman Turkish occupation of the eastern route to reach the Indies, he proposed attempting the western route. Columbus died believing he had reached the Indies.

The Hispanic Empire of the Habsburgs

Carlos I (Charles V), grandson of the Catholic Monarchs (RRCC), was the son of Juana La Loca of Castile and Philip the Fair. Charles of Habsburg became the most powerful ruler throughout Europe, inheriting vast territories:

• Heritage from Maternal Grandparents (RRCC): The Spanish kingdoms and their overseas possessions.
• Heritage from Paternal Grandparents (Habsburgs): The Duchy of Austria and the right to carry the title of Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire (Germanic).

Political Organization of the Empire

The structure of governance relied on:

• Royal Councils (Consejos)
• Secretaries
• Viceroys and Governors
• Aldermen (Corregidores)
• Chancillerías and Audiencias (High Courts)