Spain- A Catholic Country!
Medieval - Spain as a political unit did not exist. The Iberian peninsula had several rival
kingdoms struggling for dominance. Castile, Aragon, Navarre, Catalonia, Granada.
The 1400s
NEW MONARCHS - in the late 1400’s the monarchs ruling over Spain concentrated their
efforts on extending their royal power and building a strong nation. Creating a feeling of unity
among the citizens was also a goal that dictated their actions. PAGE 354
- Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon— unification of Castile and Aragon which
brought the Spanish empire together.
- Spanish Inquisition (when Isabella and Ferdinand gained control of the Catholic
Church in Spain. They decided to purify nation till it was completely Catholic. Both
were both very devout Catholics, but Isabella did it for religious purposes and
Ferdinand considered it as a good hindrance against opposing nobles and clergy.
However Isabella did most of the work with the assistance of Tomas de Torquemada
(shares Isabella’s views) who lead the Spanish Inquisition.
- During the Spanish Inquisition, they targeted the Jews and Muslims. They not only
believed in religious unity but also political unity. In 1492, the government ordered all
Spanish Jews either to adopt Christianity or leave the country. As for the Muslims, they
were promised religious freedom but they revoked it the Moors (Spanish Muslims)
rebelled. They were forced to convert to Christianity. Those who didn’t, fled the
country.
- Some of the Jews and the Muslims who stayed and converted to Christianity practiced
their own religion secretly. This resulted in their persecution and exile.
- During their reign, the Spanish army became one of the most powerful European army.
Aristocrats stripped of positions in the royal council and replaced by middle class
lawyers. Just an example of monarchs appealing to the middle class—building unity
and maybe even a bit of nationalistic feelings.
- Worked to control Catholic Church: They selected important church officials
- guaranteeing the clergy becomes an instrument to extend royal power..
The 1500s
IMPERIAL GLORY! Charles I (Charles V of the H.R.E) 1516-1556 & Philip II (1556-1598)
Exploration - After becoming a strong power in Europe (gaining lands…), the Spanish focused
on expansion and monopolizing the new world.
- Spain sought to weaken the Portugal’s lead in colonial exploration. Portugal had attempted
to get to India by traveling around the southern tip of Africa. (Diaz & De Gamma). Spain
will attempt a westward route ??!?!?
- After Spain & Portugal compete for the new World, the Lines of Demarcation were created
in 1493. These gave Spain all the newly discovered lands west of the line and Portugal was
given all newly discovered lands east of the line. Portugal opposed and the Treaty of
Tordesillas was created in 1494.
- Treaty of Tordesillas- divides the New World into Spanish and Portuguese territories.
- Ferdinand Magellan- first to circumnavigate the world.
- Spain: Cortes conquers the Aztecs; Pizarro – the Incas( Spain now has N. Mexico)
They treated the Indians cruelly, tried to convert them to Christianity, ignored the
encomienda system, and were overcome by greed very quickly.
Spain’s Golden Age (1500- early 1600) -After acquiring new lands, the monarch of Spain
needed to consolidate and secure them. However, Philip II did not lose sight of the ever-present
goal of expanding royal power and becoming a dominant world power.
- Philip expands power by making monarchy less dependent on the aristocracy.
- Philip’s attempts to bolster Catholicism in Europe begins the overextension of Spanish Power
- Battle Lapanto – Spanish Armada – Dutch Revolt
The 1600s
Decline of Spain (late 1600s) - All the progress previously made by Spain begins to decline
when the monarchs paid less attention to the overall status of the state and began to focus on
luxury and looking the best(appearance).
- Series of Very Weak Kings (1598 – 1700) Philip III, Philip IV, Charles II
- Phillip III also goes bankrupt-too focused on luxury of his court.
- Phillip IV efforts don’t meet with success.
- Charles II halfwit (led to the war of Spanish Succession)
THE 1700s
2nd Rate Status
War of Spanish Succession (1702-1713)
Spain’s Charles II (1661-1700) was the last of the Spanish Hapsburgs dynasty and was
mentally retarded. He died young and left the throne to his nephew Philip of Anjou, grandson
of Louis XIV. England Holland Austria and the German states feared France and Spain
would join and, Phillip would take control of England and throw off balances of power. The
war ended with a treaty saying the French and Spanish thrones were to be separate but Philip
could take the Spanish throne.
Napoleonic Era
Napoleon I puts his Brother, Jeseph Bonaparte, on the throne of Spain in 1808
The Bourbon’s will be restored in 1813