Spain in the 15th Century: Unification, Expansion, and Society
The Dynastic Union of Castile and Aragon
The Dynastic Union refers to a new model of monarchy where each kingdom maintained its autonomy and independence, despite being under the rule of the same monarchs. It was a union of crowns, not a merging of countries.
Expansion on the Iberian Peninsula
The Conquest of Granada
Isabella took possession of Granada after the death of the Muslim king. Castile then conquered the territory, culminating in its capture in 1492.
The Incorporation of Navarre
Ferdinand invaded Navarre, claiming dynastic rights. Navarre was incorporated into the Crown of Castile in 1515.
The Union with Portugal
The union with Portugal was achieved through a policy of marriage alliances. It became part of the Spanish monarchy later, during the reign of Philip II.
Royal Power in Castile and Aragon
Royal Power Under Isabella in Castile
Isabella consolidated royal power by:
- Not granting more land to nobles.
- Forbidding nobles from participating in councils and leading wars.
- Creating new royal institutions staffed by experts chosen and paid by the Queen.
Royal Power Under Ferdinand in Aragon
Ferdinand maintained the parliament and council, as well as the practice of pacts. He negotiated laws and taxes with the privileged classes.
Key Concepts
Conversos: Jews who converted to Christianity.
Moriscos: Muslims who converted to Christianity.
The Expulsion of the Jews
The text discusses the expulsion of a group of people: the Jews.
They were accused of converting people to Judaism.
The punishment was death and expulsion.
Economic Activities in the 15th Century
The most important economic activities in the 15th century were sheep farming and the textile industry.
True or False
- Castile and Aragon were united when the rule of Isabella and Ferdinand began in 1469. (This statement is complex. While their marriage was in 1469, the kingdoms remained separate entities with their own laws and institutions. It’s more accurate to say their *reign* began the process of unification)
- With the union of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Kingdom of Castile and the Crown of Aragon formed a dynastic union. (True)
- Columbus wanted to reach Asia by sailing across the Atlantic. (True)
Definitions
- Judgement of Guadalupe: An agreement that abolished some feudal rights and withdrew the governmental monopoly from the urban oligarchy.
- The monarchy protected the sheep farming association: Mesta.
- In 1492, Queen Isabella agreed to finance Columbus’s project by signing the: Capitulations of Santa Fe.
- According to the Florentine mathematician Toscanelli, who had made several portolan charts, there was only one ocean between Europe and Asia. (This is a correct statement of Toscanelli’s belief, which influenced Columbus)
Columbus’s Voyages
- First Voyage: Arrival at Guanahani Island in the Bahamas (San Salvador).
- Second Voyage: A large expedition of 17 ships and 1200 men created the first trading post on Hispaniola.
- Third Voyage: Columbus reached the north coast of South America, discovering Martinique, Trinidad, and the mouth of the Orinoco River.
- Fourth Voyage: Exploration of the coasts of Central America.
The Rise of International Trade
International trade increased in the 15th century, especially in products such as spices, silk, and luxury goods from the East. However, in 1453, the Ottoman army occupied the city of Constantinople and blocked trade routes between Europe and Asia via the Near East. For this reason, European kingdoms such as Castile and Portugal began to explore the Atlantic Ocean. They wanted to find an alternative trade route to India and Southeast Asia.