who succeeded isabella ferdinand

Full Answer

Who were King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain?

King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were the Spanish monarchs in the 15th century, known for uniting Spain and creating the Kingdom of Spain.

How did Ferdinand and Isabella gain power over Spain?

Alfonso fled and his dream of ruling Castile was at an end. Isabella and Ferdinand were now unopposed in Castile. Their power seemed strengthened in 1479 when Ferdinand became king of the second largest Spanish country, Aragon. Aragon included the great city of Barcelona and Aragon owned an empire that controlled part of Italy, Sicily and Sardinia.

Who was the rightful heir to the throne of Spain?

La Beltraneja was declared the rightful heir by disgruntled nobles and Portugal. The War of Succession lasted four years when Isabella and Ferdinand defeated the Portuguese. Isabella negotiated a treaty with her aunt Doña Beatriz and ended the strife.

How did Queen Isabella of Spain end the war of succession?

Ferdinand was not happy but Isabella managed to soothe his wounded vanity and made him see reason. La Beltraneja was declared the rightful heir by disgruntled nobles and Portugal. The War of Succession lasted four years when Isabella and Ferdinand defeated the Portuguese. Isabella negotiated a treaty with her aunt Doña Beatriz and ended the strife.

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Who took the throne after Ferdinand?

Charles V, Holy Roman EmperorCharles VReign28 June 1519 – 27 August 1556Coronation23 October 1520 (Germany) 22 February 1530 (Italy) 24 February 1530 (Empire)PredecessorMaximilian ISuccessorFerdinand I26 more rows

How is Philip II related to Ferdinand and Isabella?

Philip's parents were Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and Isabella of Portugal. Charles and Isabella were maternal first cousins: their mothers were sisters Joanna or Juana of Castile and Aragon and Maria of Aragon, daughters of the powerful Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon.

Is Queen Isabella related to Queen Elizabeth?

She is also a descendant of Queen Victoria. Elizabeth married her distant cousin Philip Mountbatten and had four children: Prince Charles (heir apparent), Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. Her extensive family includes several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Did Ferdinand and Isabella actually love each other?

It was far from a love-story — while, by all accounts, Ferdinand and Isabella were a cordial and possibly even happy couple, their union was the accumulation of hundreds of years of Spanish history, forged by war and intrigue into a dynastic union that laid the foundations for the modern Spanish state.

Who was the best King of Spain?

Philip II was a member of the Habsburg dynasty. He served as king of the Spaniards from 1556 to 1598 and as king of the Portuguese (as Philip I) from 1580 to 1598. The Spanish empire under Philip prospered: it attained its greatest power, extent, and influence.

Does Spain still have a royal family?

The Spanish monarchy is currently represented by King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and their daughters Leonor, Princess of Asturias, and Infanta Sofía.

How far back does Queen Elizabeth's bloodline go?

1,209 yearsHow far does Queen Elizabeth's bloodline go? The bloodline of the current royal family can be traced back some 1,209 years! This covers 37 generations and goes all the way back to the 9th century.

Who was the first queen in Europe?

Isabella I of CastileIsabellaPortrait ( c. 1490)Queen of Castile and LeónReign11 December 1474 – 26 November 1504Coronation13 December 147416 more rows

Where does Queen Elizabeth's wealth come from?

The Queen has a private income from her personal investment portfolio, though her personal wealth and income are not known. In 2002, she inherited her mother's estate, thought to have been worth £70 million (the equivalent of about £121 million today).

What did Queen Isabella look like?

Isabella of Castile was no black-haired, dark-eyed, Spanish beauty. She had, rather, soft green-blue eyes and the kind of pale auburn hair that, even today, is categorized by Spaniards as “blonde”.

Did King Ferdinand betray England?

However, Ferdinand betrays Henry and Catherine, instead using the English troops as a diversion to seize his own lands in Navarre. Catherine is disgusted by her father's deception and declares herself reborn, being truly English rather than Spanish.

How old was Queen Isabella when she died?

53 years (1451–1504)Isabella I of Castile / Age at death

What impact did the marriage of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile have on Western Europe?

Isabella's marriage to Ferdinand in 1469 created the basis of the de facto unification of Spain. Her reforms and those she made with her husband had an influence that extended well beyond the borders of their united kingdoms.

Who did Isabella and Ferdinand defeat to unite all of Spain in 1492?

Ṭāriq ibn Ziyād, the Muslim ruler of Tangier, routed the Visigothic ruler in 711 and within a few years controlled all of Spain. The Reconquista began with the Battle of Covadonga about 718, when Asturias engaged the Moors, and it ended in 1492, when Ferdinand and Isabella (the Catholic Monarchs) conquered Granada.

Did Anne of Austria marry her uncle?

A court portrait of Queen Anne (1549-1580), the daughter of Emperor Maximilian II (1527-1576) and Maria of Austria (1528-1603), married her uncle Philip II in 1570; their son later became Philip III (1578-1621).

What would happen if Ferdinand and Isabella never married?

The union of these two kingdoms would have never happened organically if it were not for Isabella and Ferdinand's marriage, meaning that the nation of Spain would have never existed without Isabella and Ferdinand.

Why did Isabella prefer Ferdinand?

Isabella preferred Ferdinand as she turned down all other offers including the Duke of Gloucester (later Richard III). He was handsome, a year younger than Isabella, excelled at sport and he was heir to the kingdom of Aragon. Isabella’s brother Henry IV reigned over a licentious court and anarchy.

Who was the eldest daughter of Ferdinand?

The Castilian throne passed to her eldest surviving daughter, Joanna. Ferdinand assumed the Regency as Joanna was mentally unstable. Ferdinand spent the latter part of his reign involved in disputes over Italy. Spain was on the threshold of becoming a world power when he died in 1516.

What was Isabella's main focus in 1501?

Isabella and Ferdinand focused their attention to Granada, the only Muslim stronghold. Granada finally conceded defeat after eighteen months of sieges. Terms of surrender, which included tolerance of Islam, was respected for only a few years. They rebelled in 1501 and were ordered to convert to Christianity or suffer expulsion.

How long did the war of succession last?

The War of Succession lasted four years when Isabella and Ferdinand defeated the Portuguese. Isabella negotiated a treaty with her aunt Doña Beatriz and ended the strife. La Beltraneja spent the rest of her life in a convent. Isabella and Ferdinand restored law and order.

What was Isabella's military force?

Isabella founded the Santa Hernandad (Holy Brotherhood), a military force, who dealt with highway robbery, burglary, rape and other serious crimes. It was later replaced by a police force.

How did the exodus of Jews affect Spain?

In 1492, Jews were forced to convert or face expulsion. The mass exodus of Jews severely affected the economy with a decline in revenue. It hindered Spain’s economic future.

Who was the Queen of Castile when Henry died?

Henry died in December 1474 and Isabella was proclaimed Queen. She asserted her rights when Ferdinand insisted taking precedence. The government agreed Isabella was the true heiress of Castile and Ferdinand’s authority derived from her. Ferdinand was not happy but Isabella managed to soothe his wounded vanity and made him see reason.

Life

Isabella was born in Madrigal de las Altas Torres, Ávila, to John II of Castile and his second wife, Isabella of Portugal, on 22 April 1451. At the time of Isabella's birth, she was second in line to the throne after her older half-brother Henry IV of Castile. Henry was 26 at that time and married, but childless.

Appearance and personality

Isabella was short but of strong stocky build, of a very fair complexion, and had a hair color that was between strawberry-blonde and auburn. Other descriptions, however, describe her hair as golden (blonde), and period illuminations show her several times with golden or strawberry blond hair. Some portraits show her as a brunette.

Family

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Cause of beatification and canonization

In 1958, José García Goldaraz, the Bishop of Valladolid where she died in 1504, started the canonical Catholic process of the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of Isabella.

Arms

As Princess of Asturias, Isabella bore the undifferenced royal arms of the Crown of Castile and added the Saint John the Evangelist's Eagle, an eagle displayed as single supporter.

Legacy

Isabella is most remembered for enabling Columbus' voyage to the New World, which ushered in an era of great wealth for Spain and Europe. Her reign saw the founding of the Spanish Empire, which in turn ultimately led to establishment of the modern nations of the Americas.

Commemoration

The Spanish crown created the Order of Isabella the Catholic in 1815 in honor of the queen.

What did Isabella and Ferdinand do after the fall of Spain?

After a number of revolts, Ferdinand and Isabella ordered the expulsion of all Jews from Spain.

What did Ferdinand's father advise the couple?

Ferdinand's father had advised the couple that "neither was powerful without the other". Though their marriage united the two kingdoms, leading to the beginnings of modern Spain, they ruled independently and their kingdoms retained part of their own regional laws and governments for the next centuries.

What was the relationship between Portugal and Castile?

Ferdinand's father had advised the couple that "neither was powerful without the other". Though their marriage united the two kingdoms, leading to the beginnings of modern Spain, they ruled independently and their kingdoms retained part of their own regional laws and governments for the next centuries.

How did Spain become a nation?

Spain was formed as a dynastic union of two crowns rather than a unitary state, as Castile and Aragon remained separate kingdoms until the Nueva Planta decrees of 1707–1716.

What was the Catholic monarch's policy?

Following the reestablishment of good relations, the Catholic Monarchs made two strategic marriages to Portuguese royalty. The matrimonial policy of the monarchs sought advantageous marriages for their five children , forging royal alliances for the long term benefit of Spain.

Who were the Catholic monarchs?

The term Catholic Monarchs refers to Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, whose marriage and joint rule marked the de facto unification of Spain. They were both from the House of Trastámara and were second cousins, being both descended from John I of Castile; on marriage they were given a papal dispensation to deal with consanguinity by Sixtus IV. They married on October 19, 1469, in the city of Valladolid; Isabella was eighteen years old and Ferdinand a year younger. It is generally accepted by most scholars that the unification of Spain can essentially be traced back to the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella.

Who ordered the expulsion of Jews from Spain?

After a number of revolts, Ferdinand and Isabella ordered the expulsion of all Jews from Spain. People who converted to Catholicism were not subject to expulsion, but between 1480 and 1492 hundreds of those who had converted ( conversos and moriscos) were accused of secretly practicing their original religion ( crypto-Judaism or crypto-Islam) and arrested, imprisoned, interrogated under torture, and in some cases burned to death, in both Castile and Aragon.

Who was the Queen of Castile in 1474?

She had beautiful blue eyes and chestnut hair and was just striking. Isabella was queen of Castile from 1474 to 1505, and she had to fight a civil war to secure her throne. Her marriage to Ferdinand II of Aragon began a thirty five year joint rule of a unified Spain by the Catholic Monarchs. Ferdinand and Isabella succeeded as joint sovereigns ...

What was Isabella's political vision?

It was typical of Isabella's political vision that she agreed to finance the expedition of Christopher Columbus which brought the New World and wealth to Spain. If it weren't for Queen Isabella of Spain, Christopher Columbus would never been able to set sail. Isabella took an interest in the Native Americans of the new lands and when some of them were brought back to Spain as slaves she had them returned and freed, she wanted the Indians to be treated fairly.

How many children did Isabella have?

Isabella had five children: Isabel, John, Joan, Maria, and Catherine.

What was Ferdinand's marriage to Isabella?

He married the princess Isabella of Castile in Valladolid in October 1469. This was a marriage of political opportunism, not romance. The court of Aragon dreamed of a return to Castile, and Isabella needed help to gain succession to the throne. The marriage initiated a dark and troubled life, in which Ferdinand fought on the Castilian and Aragonese fronts in order to impose his authority over the noble oligarchies, shifting his basis of support from one kingdom to the other according to the intensity of the danger. Despite the political nature of the union, he loved Isabella sincerely. She quickly bore him children: the infanta Isabella was born in 1470; the heir apparent, Juan, in 1478; and the infantas Juana (called Juana la Loca—Joan the Mad), Catalina (later called—as the first wife of Henry VIII of England—Catherine of Aragon), and María followed. The marriage began, however, with almost continual separation. Ferdinand, often away in the Castilian towns or on journeys to Aragon, reproached his wife for the comfort of her life. At the same time, the restlessness of his 20 years drove him into other women’s arms, by whom he sired at least two female children, whose birth dates are not recorded. His extramarital affairs caused Isabella jealousy for several years.

Who was Ferdinand II?

Ferdinand II was the king of Aragon and king of Castile (as Ferdinand V) from 1479, joint sover eign with Queen Isabella I. As Spanish ruler of southern Italy, he was also known as Ferdinand III of Naples and Ferdinand II of Sicily. He united the Spanish kingdoms into the nation of Spain.

Why did Ferdinand marry Germaine de Foix?

In 1505, to secure his position in Castile, Ferdinand signed a contract to marry Germaine de Foix, niece of the king of France. This, too, was a political marriage, although he always showed her the highest regard. A stay in Italy (1506–07) demonstrated how badly he was needed by the Spanish kingdoms. Once more in Castile, he managed his European policy so as to obtain a hegemony that would serve his expansionary ends in the Mediterranean and in Africa. In 1512, immediately after the schism in the church in which the kings of Navarre participated, he occupied their kingdom and incorporated it into Castile—one of the most controversial acts of his reign.

What was Ferdinand's policy of modernization?

This policy of modernization included a ban against all religions other than Roman Catholicism. The establishment of the Spanish Inquisition (1478) to enforce religious uniformity and the expulsion of the Jews (1492) were both part of a deliberate policy designed to strengthen the church, which would in turn support the crown.

Where did Ferdinand go when Isabella was crowned Queen of Castile?

Ferdinand rushed from Zaragoza to Segovia, where Isabella had herself proclaimed queen of Castile on December 13. Ferdinand remained there as king consort, an uneasy, marginal figure, until Isabella’s war of succession against Afonso V of Portugal gained his acceptance in 1479 as king in every sense of the word.

Why did Ferdinand reproach his wife?

Ferdinand, often away in the Castilian towns or on journeys to Aragon, reproached his wife for the comfort of her life. At the same time, the restlessness of his 20 years drove him into other women’s arms, by whom he sired at least two female children, whose birth dates are not recorded.

What year did Ferdinand conquer the kingdom of Granada?

The years 1482–92 were frantic for Ferdinand. In the spring months he directed the campaign against the kingdom of Granada, showing his military talent to good effect, and he conquered the kingdom inch by inch, winning its final capitulation on January 2, 1492. During the months of rest from war, he visited his kingdoms, learning their geography and problems firsthand.

Who did Ferdinand and Isabella give money to?

Instead, they gave their money to an Italian named Christopher Columbus. Ferdinand was sometimes annoyed by Columbus, who demanded important titles before he had accomplished anything. Nevertheless, Ferdinand and Isabella outfitted him with three ships. Like other educated people, they believed that the world was round and that Columbus would find the riches of the East by sailing west around the globe. In May, 1493, Columbus returned to Spain. He claimed he had reached Asia and as proof he brought with him six “Indians”.

Where did Ferdinand and Isabella's grandson live?

In 1517, Ferdinand and Isabella’s 17-year-old grandson, Charles of Ghent, landed on the northerly coast of Asturias. Charles’ mother, mad Queen Juana, remained locked in the castle of Tordesillas and Charles was the new king of Spain. To many he did not seem very kingly. His jaw was so large that he could not speak properly. He loved to eat and although he complained about the Spanish food, he ate great heaps of fish, oranges, olives — food of any kind. Soon he grew very fat and ill with gout.

What did Isabella and Ferdinand believe about Spain?

Isabella and Ferdinand believed that Spain could not really be a nation if it had more than one religion. This belief was common at the time, but nowhere was it stronger than in Spain, where Christians had battled Moslems for so long. Ferdinand and Isabella expelled all Jews who refused to become Christian. They sent to Granada a brilliant leader of the Christian church, Cardinal Jiménez, who forced the Moors to convert to Christianity. Even so, the rulers feared that the New Christians practiced their old religious in secret. They suspected that there were millions of disloyal Christian converts scattered through Spain. Before they had completely conquered Granada, the two rulers revived an old system of checking on the faith of Spaniards — the dreaded Inquisition.

Why did Isabella escape from the royal court?

Isabella was glad to escape from the royal court of her brother, King Henry IV of Castile. Castile was the largest of the several kingdoms that made up Spain and under Henry IV it was probably the worst ruled. Isabella hated Henry’s court. The nobles were proud, ignorant and insolent; some were fierce warriors, the rest seemed lazy. Most of them taxed their peasants harshly, then spent the money on magnificent lace-trimmed clothes, on drinking and fighting. King Henry himself set a bad example. He was cruel, he loved to watch spectacles and fires, he let his guard of wild Moorish soldiers insult the young Spanish ladies. When their fathers complained, he told them they were insane and had them whipped in public. The nobles could get anything they wanted from Henry. Sometimes he gave them blank checks to take any sum they wished from Castile’s treasury. Henry was a weak king and became known as Henry the impotent.

What happened to Isabella in 1504?

Isabella died in 1504, leaving to Ferdinand her jewels and the hope of reunion in heaven. The last years of Ferdinand’s rule were troubled. For a brief time his daughter Juana and her husband, Philip of Burgundy, ruled Castile. But Philip died and Juan went mad and was imprisoned in the castle of Tordesillas. Ferdinand ruled again and struggled to keep the Castilian nobles from increasing their power. He performed one last great act. He made an alliance with England against France and while England attacked the Breton coast, Ferdinand marched his army into Navarre and wrested it from French rule and so, in 1512, all of Spain was finally united under one king. Four years later Ferdinand died, joining Isabella in the lasting memory of the Spanish nation.

How did Spain become a nation?

Spain had become a nation only after centuries of bitter Christian struggle against the Moslem Moors. Spanish rulers concentrated on purifying Spain’s Christianity and defending Spain’s Catholic faith abroad, instead of building up the country at home, encouraging trade and building industry. Gold from the New World allowed the Spanish kings to meddle in Europe before they had fully established their might at home. As a result, Spain’s local assemblies retained some power. The tradition of local liberty and local loyalty remained strong and later Spanish kings could not always have their way. While the English people were beginning to struggle for a voice in national affairs, many Spaniards were still fighting for the local privileges of cities, estates and provinces, just as they had done in much earlier times.

What did Charles V do to Spain?

Spain was not Charles’ only concern. In 1519 he won the throne of the Holy Roman Empire, which made him Emperor Charles V, overlord of Germany. He also ruled Austria, the Netherlands, southern Italy and Spain’s overseas empire — most of North and South America. Like his Spanish ancestors, Charles insisted that all his huge empire follow one religion, the Catholic faith. The rulers of Europe had long thought that allowing more than one religion would split a kingdom and bring disaster to the king, but things were changing. In Wittenberg, a young friar, Martin Luther, had proclaimed a reformed religion, Protestantism and many Germans adopted his faith. The Turks, believers in the Moslem faith, were storming across east Europe, conquering Slavs, Greeks, Byzantines, Bulgars and the other Christians there. Charles despised both the Protestants and the Turks. He used Spanish arms and gold to fight the enemies of Catholicism and to protect his great empire. Under his rule, Spanish soldiers fought war after war.

When did Ferdinand and Isabella marry?

Despite this, Isabella and Ferdinand were secretly wed in 1469, and made a crucial prenuptial agreement that they would rule Spain as equals. An added bonus was that as rulers of Castile and Aragon, their marriage would unite two of Spain’s most powerful kingdoms.

Why did Isabella and Ferdinand start the Spanish Inquisition?

Early on in their reign, as a plot to unify Spain religiously as well as politically, Isabella and Ferdinand had forced a number of Muslims and Jews to convert to Catholicism. They then began the notorious Spanish Inquisition, an attempt to root out so-called ‘heretics’ from the ranks of new Christians.

How old was Isabella when she discovered she was Queen of Castile?

Twenty-three-year-old Isabella first discovered that she was queen of the kingdom of Castile while residing in the turreted heights of the Alcázar of Segovia. Allegedly taken to the town square under a beautiful brocade canopy, she took her seat on the throne and the people cheered triumphantly. This occasion marked the start ...

What was the significance of the betrothal of Catherine of Aragon?

The betrothal of Catherine, the daughter of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, and Arthur, the Prince of Wales and son of King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, signalled a pivotal alliance between the kingdoms of England and Spain. Having cleared the path of their foes, the ‘Catholic Monarchs’ (as they would become known) ...

What year did Christopher Columbus visit the Queen?

1492 would prove a big year for Isabella’s reign. The Italian explorer Christopher Columbus visited the queen and Ferdinand at the beautiful Alhambra palace, seeking royal approval for his planned voyage to India. Once he gained their support, he went on his way, only to stumble upon the Americas instead.

How did Isabella influence Spain?

The impact of her legacy on Spain was significant – as well as her foreign policy, the capable ruler had managed to restore law and order to a nation of bandits, reformed the Church, greatly improved Spain’s military, and repaired its financial system. Isabella remains one of Spain’s most revered monarchs.

How did Isabella's daughter die?

To rub salt in her wounds, Isabella’s 27-year-old daughter died in childbirth, followed suit by Isabella’s baby grandson two years later. The queen died in 1504, and Ferdinand continued to rule Castile as regent for their daughter Joanna, uniting Spain with his conquest of Navarre. The impact of her legacy on Spain was significant – as well as her ...

Overview

• La Beltraneja was declared the rightful heir by disgruntled nobles and Portugal. The War of Succession lasted four years when Isabella and Ferdinand defeated the Portuguese. Isabella negotiated a treaty with her aunt Doña Beatriz and ended the strife. La Beltraneja spent the rest of her life in a convent. Isabella and Ferdinand restored law and ord...

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Life

Appearance and personality

Family

Cause of beatification and canonization

Isabella was born in Madrigal de las Altas Torres, Ávila, to John II of Castile and his second wife, Isabella of Portugal, on 22 April 1451. At the time of Isabella's birth, she was second in line to the throne after her older half-brother Henry IV of Castile. Henry was 26 at that time and married, but childless. Isabella's younger brother Alfonso of Castile was born two years later on 17 November 1453, demoting her position to third in line. When her father died in 1454, her half-brother ascen…

Arms

Legacy

Commemoration

Overview

Royal Councils

Marriage

Royal motto and emblems

Domestic policy

The establishment of System of Royal Councils to oversee discrete regions or areas was Isabella succeeded to the throne of Castile in 1474 when Ferdinand was still heir-apparent to Aragon, and with Aragon's aid, Isabella's claim to the throne was secured. As Isabella's husband was king of Castile by his marriage and his father still ruled in Aragon, Ferdinand spent more time in Castile than Aragon at the beginning of their marriage. His pattern of residence Castile persisted even w…

Religious policy

Foreign policy

Voyages of Christopher Columbus