Spanish History: Inquisition to the Enlightenment

Inquisition and the Alhambra Decree

The Inquisition was an ancient ecclesiastical tribunal established to prosecute crimes against the faith. It originated in France in the 12th century and later spread to Spain.

The Alhambra Decree was a decree published by the Catholic Monarchs, in which Jews were forced to convert to Catholicism or be expelled.

Capitulations of Santa Fe and Explorers

The Capitulations of Santa Fe was a document signed between the Catholic Monarchs and Christopher Columbus regarding his expedition to the Indies. Columbus was appointed admiral, viceroy, and governor of the discovered territories and was entitled to 10% of the wealth he found.

• Hernán Cortés: Spanish explorer and conquistador who defeated the Aztecs and conquered Mexico.
• Francisco Pizarro: Spanish explorer and conquistador who conquered the Inca Empire.

Key Battles and Royal Courts

• Battle of Villalar: A battle that resulted in the execution of commoners Juan Bravo, Padilla, and Maldonado.
• Thomar Courts: Courts where King Philip II was recognized as the ruler of Portugal.

The Habsburgs and Their Favorites

Valido: A political office that advised the monarch, supervised councils, and controlled government documents.

• Philip III: The first king of the House of Habsburg (referred to as "Austrias" in the original text). His favorite was the Duke of Lerma.
• Duke of Lerma: Favorite of Philip III.
• Philip IV: Second king of the House of Habsburg. His favorite was the Count-Duke of Olivares.
• Count-Duke of Olivares: Favorite of King Philip IV who created the Union of Arms to unify the territories.
• Charles II: Last king of the House of Habsburg. He was under the regency of his mother, Mariana of Austria, and had three *validos*: Nithard, Juan José de Austria, and Fernando de Valenzuela. He left the throne to Philip of Anjou, establishing the Bourbons in Spain.

Treaties, Wars, and Reforms

• Peace of Westphalia: A peace treaty recognizing the independence of Holland and the loss of Habsburg hegemony.
• War of Succession: Conflict between Philip of Anjou and Archduke Charles of Austria for the Spanish throne after the death of Charles II.
• Peace of Utrecht: Marked the end of the War of Succession, with Philip V recognized as king of Spain.
• Nueva Planta decrees: Decrees involving the abolition of institutions in the kingdoms of the Crown of Aragon, which were then ruled by the laws of Spain.
• Enlightened Despotism: A form of 18th-century absolutism with the slogan "Everything for the people, but without the people."
• The Treaty of Vienna: A treaty by which Charles of Bourbon acquired the Kingdom of Naples.