Isabella and Ferdinand full spanish history notes

Marriage and reputation of the crown

4th March 1469, the marriage contract was signed in cervera. It stated that Ferdinand would have to stay with Isabella in Castile, all public decisions had to be signed by both parties, Ferdinand was to respect the customs of Castile, and all decisions were to be made in accordance to Isabella's wishes.

They married in Valladolid - Ferdinand had to come in disguise and the documents were forged. 

Isabella chose to marry ferdinand for political advances, it allowed her to establish her rule. Ferdinand also had military strength.

Ferdinands military strength was demonstrated at: the Battle of Toro (1476), Making peace with France (1478), and the Treaty of Alcacovas (1479) - all victorious and stablised Isabella's position as queen.

Alfonso Carillo, Archbishop of Toledo, effectively forced the marriage for personal gain. It was conducted without the knowledge of Henry IV.

Marriage supporters

Trastamara family finally united and ruling Spain - Meant that Spain was more likely to be unted.

Aragon would profit greatly from the marriage.

Marriage opponents

Henry IV didn't agree with the marriage so named Juanna the heir.

The french wanted Isabella to marry Charles de Valois.

The french encouraged Henry to disinherit Isabella.

"The Enriquez family resented Portuguese interference" - Woodward

Dual Monarchy

Had to fight their own wars

Fueros - Strict laws in Aragon to stop aristoracys - power limited.

Ruled kingdoms seperately - both had to sign before legislations passed.

Muslims only expelled from Castile

Protected liberties of Aragon.

Reorganization of Crown Control

1474 - 1476 - Isabella toured Castile as a peripatetic monarch.

being a peripatetic monarch meant that there were less disturbances due to presence.

"Gained support of Towns 1471 - promised not to give crown lands to grandees" - Lunenfield

1476 - Cortes of Madrigal called and revived the santa Hermandad - royal ordinances were issued in june. These were reorganized as they were placed under unified central control in the form of the Junta Hermandad.

They were used for law and order and called "The Holy Brotherhood". They were unpopular due to harsh methods. Kamen states it was "a great policy that kept law and order" whereas Woodward saw it as "effective at confronting towns and cities but weak against the larger grandees".

1476 - Cortes of Madrigal overhauled tax offices, alienated revenues from the farce of Avila which contributed to Royal income.

1478 - Pope Sixtus IV issued Isabella and Ferdinand a bull giving them the authority to appoint inquisitors (Inquisition was previously in the hands of the Dominicans 1231-33), Isabella was persuaded to have an inquisition by Alfonso de hojeda in Seville 1477. All clerical appointments were in the hands of the papacy but in 1479 Isabella challenged this by appointing her own nominee to the Bishopric of Cuenca. 

1479 - Treaty of Alcacovas (4th sept) - put an end to the war of succession - Isabella was recognized as queen - Alfonso of…