2. POLITICAL CHANGES THE GREAT EUROPEAN MONARCHIES - Kingdoms in Europe used both war and marriage alliances to increase their political strength. - Political enemies promised the marriage of their children as a way to guarantee future peace between their countries. - A marriage of state was a way to achieve territorial expansion at a much lower price than a war.
2. POLITICAL CHANGES -
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France: - After the Hundred Year’s War against England, the French monarchy began a process of strengthen royal power. - Especially under the reigns of kings Louis XI and François I. England: - There was a civil war for the English throne between the families of York and Lancaster. - The monarchy grew stronger, especially during the reign of Henry VIII. Russia: - Ivan III The Great conquered vast territories adopting the title of Grand Prince of all Russia. Portugal: - John II established his authority over the aristocracy - And launched overseas expeditions Spain: - The Catholic Monarchs unified all the Iberial Peninsula except for Portugal. Holy Roman Empire: - This covered a large number of territories, including Germany and Northern Italy. - These had considerable autonomy and were led by an elected emperor. Italian Peninsula: - Trade and baking made territories economically prosperous. - The Papal States and the rEpublic of Venice were the most important.
2. POLITICAL CHANGES AUTHORITARIAN MONARCHY -
The main political transformation was a stronger authoritarian monarchy over nobility and aristocracy. - A new organisational model was created in which the king had more direct power. 1. National territory; - The monarch considered the kingdom to be patrimony of the royal family that need to be preserved and defended. 2. Bureaucracy: - It was created by civil servants paid directly by the king to serve in his name. - This allows more effective control over the territory 3. Permanent court: - It was established that governed the kingdom, ending the travelling courts of the Middle Ages. 4. Permanent army: - Ths professional army was funded by the monarch and worked only under his orders. - Private armies of nobility lost their importance. 5. Diplomatic service: - It was made up of ambassadors who represented the monarchs in other countries to ensure foreign relations. 6. Taxation system: - It was designed to collect taxes to help pay for the increased costs of the new state system