The Reconquista and the Reign of the Catholic Monarchs

The Reconquista and the First Christian Kingdoms

The Reconquista is the historical period spanning from the year 722 (Battle of Covadonga) until the fall of Granada in 1492. During this era, the northern Christian kingdoms gradually took possession of Muslim-held territories. Repopulation (Repoblación) refers to the occupation of these conquered lands, serving vital military, economic, and political objectives.

The first Christian kingdoms to emerge were Asturias (Astur-Leonese), followed by Leon and Navarre. Shortly after, the Hispanic Marches appeared. Through the struggles between Navarre, Castile, and Aragon, the kingdoms of Leon and Portugal were established by the 13th century, marking the progression of the Christian reconquest.

The Monarchy of Ferdinand and Isabella

Nature and Significance of the Catholic Monarchs

The reign of the Catholic Monarchs marked the transition from a feudal monarchy to an authoritarian monarchy. Their rule was established through a personal and dynastic union between Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. While Aragon maintained its own borders, laws, and institutions, the Inquisition served as the only common body between the realms. There was no immediate attempt to merge the kingdoms into a single state; however, due to its larger population and wealth, Castile performed a hegemonic role.

Modernization of the State

The program of the Catholic Monarchs aimed to strengthen royal authority and form a modern state. The monarchs exercised power personally, demanding absolute obedience. To that end, they undertook the modernization of the State through several key actions:

• Subjugation of the nobility and the clergy.
• Creation of a standing army.
• Control of territory through the Holy Brotherhood (Santa Hermandad).
• Increased tax revenues in Castile.
• The progressive loss of political weight of the Cortes (Courts).

Strategic Territorial Expansion

Territorial expansion occurred across three primary regions, each responding to different motivations:

• The Iberian Peninsula: Driven by a unifying idea, this led to the conquest of Granada, the recovery of Roussillon and Cerdanya, the conquest of Navarre, and a strategic marriage policy with Portugal.
• Italy (Naples): Part of an anti-French policy designed to protect Hispanic interests, involving strategic marriages with the House of Burgundy and the English heirs to encircle the French kingdom.
• North Africa and the Atlantic: This served as a continuation of the Reconquista and a protection zone, leading to the conquest of Melilla, Oran, and Bougie. It also included the completion of the conquest of the Canary Islands and the discovery of America during the search for a route to India.