Catholic Monarchs

Catholic Monarchs

The Catholic Monarchs is the title used in history to refer to the joint reign of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. Their marriage and subsequent rule marked a significant period in the history of Spain, leading to the unification of the country and the establishment of Spain as a major European power.

Early Life and Marriage

Isabella I of Castile was born on April 22, 1451, in Madrigal de las Altas Torres, while Ferdinand II of Aragon was born on March 10, 1452, in Sos del Rey Católico. Their marriage in 1469 was a dynastic union that brought together the crowns of Castile and Aragon, although both kingdoms remained politically separate entities.

Reign and Achievements

The reign of the Catholic Monarchs is noted for several key achievements:

Unification of Spain

The marriage of Isabella and Ferdinand laid the foundation for the political unification of Spain. Although the two kingdoms remained legally separate, their joint rule effectively unified the country under a single monarchy.

The Reconquista

One of the most significant accomplishments of the Catholic Monarchs was the completion of the Reconquista, the centuries-long campaign to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule. This culminated in 1492 with the conquest of the Kingdom of Granada, the last Muslim stronghold in Spain.

Exploration and Colonization

The Catholic Monarchs sponsored the voyages of Christopher Columbus, leading to the discovery of the New World in 1492. This event marked the beginning of the Spanish Empire and the era of Spanish colonization in the Americas.

Religious Reforms

Isabella and Ferdinand were staunch supporters of the Catholic Church and implemented several religious reforms. They established the Spanish Inquisition in 1478 to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in their kingdoms and expelled the Jews from Spain in 1492 with the Alhambra Decree.

Legacy

The legacy of the Catholic Monarchs is profound. They are credited with laying the foundations for modern Spain and establishing it as a major European power. Their reign also marked the beginning of the Spanish Golden Age, a period of flourishing arts and culture.

See Also

• Spanish Inquisition
• Christopher Columbus
• Reconquista
• Spanish Empire

References

• Kamen, Henry. Spain, 1469-1714: A Society of Conflict. Pearson Education, 2005.
• Liss, Peggy K. Isabel the Queen: Life and Times. University of Pennsylvania Press, 1992.

External Links

• Encyclopaedia Britannica: Isabella I
• Encyclopaedia Britannica: Ferdinand II