The Catholic Monarchs: Reign and Unification of Spain

Machiavelli’s *The Prince*: Advice for Rulers

What advice does Machiavelli give to rulers in The Prince?

Niccolò Machiavelli advises rulers to do what is necessary, without concern for morality. He suggests that rulers must be willing to be cruel if it serves their purpose. The central idea is that “the end justifies the means.”

Division of the Iberian Peninsula in the 15th Century

How was the Iberian Peninsula divided into kingdoms in the fifteenth century?

It was divided into the Crown of Castile,

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Spain’s Economic and Social Transformation in the 19th Century

Economic Modernization

Spain’s economic development in the 19th century was limited. It remained a predominantly agricultural country with little industry, and its industrial implementation was delayed compared to other European countries. However, in the last quarter of the century, significant political, social, and economic transformations laid the groundwork for 20th-century economic modernization.

Demographic Changes

This period saw a significant rural exodus, with a final wave of emigration from

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17th Century Europe: Monarchies and Conflicts

Spain in the 17th Century

Philip III (Ruled 1598 – 1621)

In the 17th century, Spain suffered a political and economic crisis because three weak kings ruled it. They didn’t rule directly; instead, they had favorites (nobles who governed for them).

Philip III became king in 1598, and his favorite was the Duke of Lerma. In 1609, Moriscos were expelled (they were not trusted), and this damaged the economy because they were peasants. In 1604, he signed a temporary peace agreement with England, and in

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War of Independence and Political Revolution in 1808

The Crisis of 1808: War of Independence and Revolution

Background: Crisis in the Old Regime

The old regime was characterized by a stratified structure inherited from the Middle Ages and significant economic problems across Europe. Charles IV was an inept ruler with little political interest; his wife largely controlled political affairs.

Foreign Policy: Spain initially attempted to isolate itself from France (‘Florida Blanca’ policy). Aranda tried to avoid the king’s execution until 1796. Godoy then

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Spain’s Political Shift: 1898-1931

1. The Decline of Dynastic Rule (1898-1917)

At the beginning of the twentieth century, Galicia experienced a political dynamic distinct from the rest of Spain. Dynastic parties began to lose electoral hegemony, alongside the rise of Catalan republicanism. In 1902, Alfonso XIII reached the age of majority, opening an opportunity to regenerate Spanish political life.

Conservative President Antonio Maura implemented reforms in finance and administered a local electoral law. However, these reforms were

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Key Events: Columbus, Carlos V, Plague, and Spanish Institutions

Key Historical Events and Institutions in Spain

Columbus was recognized with the title of Admiral, Viceroy, and Governor General, and granted a tenth of the wealth obtained from the lands he discovered. He departed from the Port of Palos on August 3rd and by December, he had discovered the Antilles, Cuba, and Hispaniola. By 1504, he had already made three more voyages. The discovery heightened the rivalry between Spain and Portugal, leading to papal intervention and the subsequent signing of the

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