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Y206: Spain 1469–1556

Isabella and Ferdinand: government — law and order, finance, the union of the crowns and Spain in 1516

  • 3 things to know
  • Unit group 2

Overview

Recall questions on justice, royal revenue and the economy, the differences between Castile and Aragon, the extent of union, the New Monarchy debate, Ferdinand after 1504 and Spain at his death in 1516.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started
Who and when

How did royal policy affect trade and the economy?

Key term

Give three ways in which the rule of Castile and Aragon differed.

Numbers

Describe the situation Spain was in when Ferdinand died in 1516.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What did the monarchs do to improve law and order and the administration of justice?

    Model answer

    They restored royal courts, gave the chancillerías at Valladolid and later Granada clear appellate jurisdiction, toured the kingdom hearing cases in person, and had Castilian law codified in the ordinances of 1484.

  2. 2

    Name the main sources of royal revenue in Castile.

    Model answer

    The alcabala, a sales tax which was the largest single source, customs dues, the servicio y montazgo on migrating sheep, church income through the crusade tax and the tercias reales, and after 1487 the revenues of the military orders.

  3. 3

    What was the overall trend of royal finances under Isabella and Ferdinand?

    Model answer

    Ordinary revenue rose many times over between the 1470s and 1504 through resumption, better collection and church grants, so the crown could fight the Granada war and act in Italy without becoming dependent on the Cortes.

  4. 4

    How did royal policy affect trade and the economy?

    Model answer

    Wool exports were promoted through the privileged sheep-owners' guild, the Mesta, and merchant courts such as the Burgos consulado of 1494 organised the trade with Flanders, while internal customs barriers between the kingdoms were left standing.

  5. 5

    Give three ways in which the rule of Castile and Aragon differed.

    Model answer

    First, Castile's Cortes was weak and rarely summoned while Aragon's had to consent to taxation and could refuse it. Second, Castile was ruled directly whereas Aragon was governed through viceroys under its fueros. Third, Aragon alone had the Justicia, an officer charged with defending those liberties against the crown.

  6. 6

    How complete was the union of the two crowns?

    Model answer

    It was a personal and dynastic union only: each kingdom kept its own laws, Cortes, coinage, customs and institutions, and their motto of equal authority described a partnership of rulers rather than a single state.

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