Medieval Governance and the Spanish Absolute Monarchy

The Government and Representation in Medieval Europe

Principal Features of the Middle Ages

Feudalism

Feudalism was defined by the Nobility (lords among whom the King was chosen). Their characteristics included the right to rule through birth, ownership of all land, and the power to decide how it would be distributed and used by the people.

The Clergy (the Pope, Cardinals, Archbishops, etc.) were often given fiefs by a monarch. Consequently, the Church became wealthy and did not have to pay taxes; monks were usually the only ones who could read and write.

Serfs constituted the largest group. They performed physical work and provided the income of the rich through rents and taxes, living with few human comforts.

Conclusion: A System of Mutual Obligations

This was a way of organizing society through a hierarchy. A hierarchy is any system that classifies members from top to bottom. In a feudal society, everyone had specific duties and obligations.

Manorialism

Manorialism was the economic system that supported feudalism. The lord of a manor provided a place to live and protection to the serfs, and in return, they provided him with free labor.

Religion and the Crusades

The dominant religion was Christianity. Through the Crusades, trade with eastern regions increased, leading to more and further expeditions to unknown lands. This brought new ideas, greater knowledge, and more inventions, which improved people's lives.

Organization of Society

Medieval Europe was primarily an agricultural society. However, three major events in Europe rapidly reduced the population:

• The Great Famine (1315)
• The Hundred Years' War
• The Black Death

Changes in the Late Medieval Period

Peasants fled, creating a labor shortage. This period saw the Reformation, the Renaissance, and the Scientific Revolution. Towns grew into cities, and there was significant financial growth.

The Absolute Spanish Monarchy

In the Modern Age, the monarchy achieved the peak of its power in the 18th century with absolute real power. The creation of law emanated only and exclusively from the King and the institutions that depended on him. There was a progressive intervention of the State in several matters, showing a tendency toward unification. The main features of law in the 18th century included the creation of the Decretos de Nueva Planta, where Felipe V decided to abolish the legal system of Aragon (the Ius Commune).

The Decrees of Nueva Planta

• The First Decree: Stated that the legal system (public or private law) of the kingdoms of Aragon and Valencia was abolished.
• The Second Decree: Specifically for Aragon, it established a General Commanding Officer and a tribunal called the Audiencia.
• The Third Decree: For Mallorca and Ibiza, it abolished their main institutions.
• The Fourth Decree: In Catalonia, it abolished the Generalitat and the Parliament.

Conclusion

The Decrees had to be applied first, followed by laws of general characteristics.