Rise of the Spanish Empire: Exploration and Conquest in the 15th-16th Centuries

The Rise of the Spanish Empire

The Catholic Monarchs (Late 15th Century)

At the end of the 15th century, the Catholic Monarchs established an authoritarian monarchy in the Iberian Peninsula, similar to those in France and England.

Dynastic Union (1469)

The kingdoms of Castile and Aragon united through a dynastic union in 1469. However, each kingdom retained its distinct laws and institutions, forming the Hispanic Monarchy.

Domestic Reforms

• Centralization of Power: The monarchs weakened the power of the nobility by creating a permanent army, gaining control of military orders and their lands, and establishing a royal treasury to increase tax revenue.
• Councils of Experts: Councils were formed to advise on matters related to territories, military orders, and the Inquisition.
• Judicial System: The judicial system was reformed, and the Santa Hermandad (Holy Brotherhood) was established to maintain order.
• Reduced Autonomy of Kingdoms: The power of the General Cortes (assemblies) was reduced, viceroys were appointed, and the Inquisition's influence expanded.
• Restricted Urban Oligarchies: The autonomy of urban oligarchies was limited, with mayoral appointments in Castile and a sortition system in Aragon.
• Improved International Relations: A diplomatic corps was established to enhance foreign relations.
• Religious Policy: Policies were enacted concerning Sephardic Jews, conversos (Jewish converts to Christianity), Mudéjars (Muslims living in Christian territories), and Moriscos (Muslim converts to Christianity).

Foreign Policy

• Diplomacy: The monarchs pursued a union with Portugal and sought to isolate France.
• Military Expansion: Within the Iberian Peninsula, the Reconquista culminated with the conquest of Granada, the last Muslim kingdom, and the annexation of Navarre. Beyond the peninsula, Portugal expanded into North Africa, while Spain gained territories in Italy (Naples, Sicily, and Sardinia) and the Atlantic Ocean (Canary Islands).

Economy and Society

• Transhumant Farming: Wool production through transhumant farming became important, with cañadas reales (royal trails) established for sheep migration.
• Burgos Consulate: The Burgos Consulate was established to control the ports of Santander and Bilbao.
• Arable Farming: The value of arable farming declined, while Andalusia focused on wine and oil production.

Expeditions and Exploration

Motivated by the pursuit of gold (economic), God (religious), and glory (ideological), expeditions were launched by both Portugal and Castile.

• Portugal: Portuguese explorers discovered the Cape of Good Hope.
• Castile: Seeking a western route to India, Castilian explorers discovered America.

Technological Advancements

Key advancements included the compass, astrolabe, and sextant. Ships were adapted for ocean voyages, and more powerful weapons were developed.

The Discovery of America

The Capitulations of Santa Fé granted Columbus 10% of the wealth obtained from his voyages, with the remainder going to the Crown.

Treaty of Tordesillas (1494)

The Treaty of Tordesillas divided newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal.

Explorations

Vasco Nuñez de Balboa crossed the Isthmus of Panama y descubrió el Pcífico Magellan y Juan Sebastián Elcano sail around the world Francisco de Orellana explored south America Alvár Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca north america John Cabot reached Newfoundland Pedro Álvarez Cabral descubrió Eastern coast of Brazil Reasons for the conquest(rivalry between the American´s)(great difference in technlogy)(religious beliefs)(estaban acostumbrados a los authoritarian) Organización política (conquistar america) Casa de Contratación, Consejo de Indias(experts on american possessions), Viceroyalties, Audiencias(justice)Explotación economica  Encomienda(les ponen a trabajar, mantienen y cristinizan) Mita(cavar minas oro y plata).