LA EDAD MODERNA: REYES CATÓLICOS Y AUSTRIAS | Historia de España 🇪🇸

History of the Catholic Monarchs and the Spanish Monarchy

The Marriage of Isabel and Fernando

• The discussion begins with a humorous reference to famous marriages in Spain, leading to the significant marriage of Isabel of Castile and Fernando of Aragon on October 19, 1469.

• Their marriage was controversial due to their consanguinity; both were great-grandchildren of Juan I, making them second cousins. A papal bull was needed for authorization but was initially denied.

• Despite challenges, this union created a crucial dynastic alliance between Castile and Aragon, laying foundations for one of Europe's modern monarchies.

Key Events Leading to Their Reign

• Professor José Antonio Lucero introduces the topic focusing on the Catholic Monarchs and their impact during their reign and that of the Habsburg dynasty.

• The ascension of Isabel followed a succession war in Castile (1468), where Enrique IV named her as his successor over Juana la Beltraneja. This led to opposition from Enrique but ultimately resulted in Isabel's victory at the Battle of Toro (1476).

• In 1480, the Treaty of Alcáçovas recognized Isabel as queen while also addressing territorial disputes in the Atlantic.

Major Achievements During Their Reign

• Significant events included the conquest of Granada, marking the end of Muslim rule in Spain. This conquest began in 1482 as part of a crusade against Muslims.

• In 1492, two pivotal religious events occurred: the expulsion of Jews from Castile and forced conversions/exiles for Muslims under Cardinal Cisneros.

Expansionist Policies

• The Catholic Monarchs pursued an expansive policy before Columbus' discovery by conquering territories like the Canary Islands and engaging in Mediterranean conflicts against France.

• They strategically married off their daughters to strengthen alliances across Europe, enhancing their influence through matrimonial ties.

Establishing Modern State Institutions

• To solidify power, they established institutions such as Santa Hermandad (a police force), Tribunal de la Inquisición (for religious unification), and various judicial councils located in key cities like Granada and Valladolid.

Discovery of America

• The monarch's support for Christopher Columbus led to his successful voyage in 1492 after initial rejection by Portugal. His expedition marked a new era for Spain with three ships: La Santa María, La Niña, and La Pinta arriving on October 12.

Treaties Following Discovery

• Concerns arose among European powers regarding territorial claims leading to the Treaty of Tordesillas which delineated expansion limits between Portugal and Castile.

Transition to Charles I

• After Queen Isabel's death in 1504, her daughter Juana inherited the throne amidst political instability due to her perceived incapacity following her husband's death.

Carlos I and Felipe II: The Habsburg Dynasty's Challenges

Carlos I: Rise and Reign

• Maximiliano de Habsburgo, known as Carlos I, became Carlos V of Germany, proclaiming himself Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire with vast possessions.

• His reign faced internal conflicts in Castilla and Aragón due to his foreign upbringing, leading to distrust among local courts. Notable was the Comuneros' revolt in 1521 demanding Juan's return to the throne.

• In 1520, after being named emperor, he confronted European conflicts, particularly with France and King Francisco I, resulting in a fierce rivalry.

• France occupied Milan but lost it back to Carlos at the Battle of Pavia; Francisco was captured but later released under the Peace of Cambrai.

• The Ottoman expansion threatened his territories while Protestantism surged due to Martin Luther’s influence. This led to prolonged wars against Protestant princes.

Decline and Legacy of Carlos I

• After exhausting conflicts, he signed the Peace of Augsburg in 1555 allowing religious freedom across Europe before retiring to a monastery where he died shortly after.

• He ceded his Germanic possessions to brother Fernando and passed Spanish kingdoms (Castilla & Aragón) to son Felipe II who inherited an extensive empire.

Felipe II: Continuation and Conflicts

• Like his father, Felipe II faced internal issues such as the Alpujarras Revolt driven by religious intolerance towards Moriscos collaborating with Berber pirates.

• Tensions arose in Aragón over power struggles between the king and local justice systems exemplified by Antonio Pérez's case.

Foreign Policy Under Felipe II

• Felipe II focused on three main policies: defending Catholicism from Protestantism, maintaining European dominance over his territories, and preserving dynastic heritage.

• He achieved victories like San Quintín (1557), signed peace treaties including Kato-Cambridge while engaging in military alliances against the Ottoman Empire through the Holy League.

Challenges Faced by Felipe II

• In response to Dutch revolts against royal authority and Calvinist persecution, England supported rebels which led Felipe II to create the Invincible Armada for an invasion that ended disastrously for Spain.

• Following King Sebastián's death in Portugal (1578), Felipe claimed rights through dynastic ties from Catholic Monarchs; he was proclaimed king in 1581 uniting crowns until his death in 1598.

Transition Period: From Habsburg Majorities to Minors

• After Felipe II’s death, he was succeeded by Felipe III who lacked strong leadership skills relying heavily on favorites like Duke of Lerma leading to weakened monarchy status during a relatively conflict-free period termed "Pax."

Crisis of the Hispanic Monarchy in Europe

The Crisis of 1640

• During Philip IV's reign, the crisis of 1640 emerged due to the creation of the Great Memorial and the Union of Arms by Count-Duke Olivares, aiming to standardize monarchy institutions and military.

• This crisis was particularly pronounced in Catalonia, where there was a rebellion known as "Corpus de Sangre" against Olivares' measures. Louis XIII was named Count of Barcelona, and assistance from France was sought.

Portugal's Independence

• In Portugal, Duke Braganza was proclaimed king, leading to its declaration of independence in 1668 after being united with the Hispanic monarchy since Philip II's reign.

Charles II and Monarchical Weakness

• Charles II, son of Philip IV, ascended to power at four years old but had a weak health condition; his mother Mariana of Austria governed until he reached maturity in 1675.

• The weakness of the Hispanic monarchy allowed France to expand its territory until the War of Nine Years concluded with the Treaty of Ryswick in 1697.

End of Habsburg Dynasty

• The Habsburg dynasty ended when Charles II died without an heir. He had previously named his successor as Philip V, grandson of Louis XIV, which led to significant conflict known as the Spanish Succession War.

Social and Economic Conditions in Hispanic Monarchy

Demographic Changes

• The 16th century saw moderate population growth mainly in southern Castile due to trade with America; however, this halted due to a plague epidemic.

• By the 17th century, demographic contraction affected primarily inland populations.

Social Structure

• Society remained estamental (class-based), marked by significant legal inequality between privileged classes (nobility and clergy) and commoners who bore tax burdens.

• High nobility held vast estates while lower nobility possessed little land. Clergy were divided into high clergy (wealthy bishops/cardinals) and low clergy (modest conditions).

Economic Struggles

• The Hispanic monarchy faced increased economic strain due to European dominance requiring higher expenditures funded through progressive tax increases.

• Major income sources included American metals like gold and silver; however, excessive borrowing against insufficient revenues led to multiple bankruptcies during this period.

Factors Leading to Economic Crisis

• Spain experienced severe economic crises caused by poor harvests, wars, expulsion of Moriscos (Muslims), and stagnation in American trade.