The Catholic Monarchs

3. THE CATHOLIC MONARCHS -

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DYNASTIC UNION The marriage of Isabel and Fernando of Arag贸n was celebrated in 1469.

Few years later, Isabel and Fernando became monarchs.

Isabel became Queen Isabel I of Castilla when her brother Enrique IV died (1476).

Fernando became king Fernando II of Arag贸n on the death of his father Juan II (1479) The Crowns of Castilla and Arag贸n were united and the monarchs agreed to be joint and equal rulers of both kingdoms.

Each kingdom kept its own laws and institutionsunder this dynastic union.

Isabel and Fernando received the title of the Catholic Monarchs by the Pope.

They created one of the most powerful monarchies in Europe.

3. THE CATHOLIC MONARCHS TERRITORIAL EXPANSION ON THE IBERIAN PENINSULA -

The Catholic Monarchs brought the other peninsular kingdoms under their rule by a combination of conquest and matrimonial alliances.

- By the 16 th centuries their kingdoms occupied a territory similar to that of modern Spain.: 1. Granada: - The Nasrid Kingdom of Granada was captured in 1492after a series of military campaigns - Granada was the last Muslim territory on the Iberian Peninsula so the reconquest came o an end.

2. Navarra: - Fernando said that the alliance beween Navarra and France threathened Castilla, but it was an excuse to invade Navarra in 1512.

- Three years later, Navarra was made part of the Crown of Castilla, but it kept its institutions.

3. Portugal: - The Catholics Monarchs created links with he Portuguese monarchy through royal marriages.

- But, Portugal only became part of the monarchy during the reign of Felipe II.

3. THE CATHOLIC MONARCHS INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION -

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The Crowns of Castilla and Arag贸n each had their own territorial objectives.

Castilla wanted: 1. To finish the Reconquest 2. To expand across the Atlantic 3. To protect its trade with Flanders.

Arag贸n wanted: 1. To protect the Mediterranean interests, especially in Italy.

Due to this, the Catholic Monarchs became involved in many regions: 1. In North Africa: - Several coastal areas were taken, for example Melilla.

2. In the Atlantic: - They concluded the occupaion of the Canary Islands which later became an important base for expeditions to America on behalf of the Crown of Castilla.

3. In Italy: - The Great Captain (Gonzalo de C贸rdoba) defeated the french in Italy.

- This confirmed that Naples was an Aragonese possession like Sicily and Sardinia.

4. In Austria and England: - Through skilful diplomacy they established matrimonial alliances with the monarchies of these countries.