Difference between revisions of "Isabella of Castile" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:Isabel la Católica-2.jpg|thumb|280px| '''Isabella of Castile''']]
 
[[Image:Isabel la Católica-2.jpg|thumb|280px| '''Isabella of Castile''']]
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'''Isabella of Castile''' (April 22, 1451 – November 26, 1504) was queen of Castile and Aragon. Together with her husband, [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]], their reign was a turning point for the [[Iberian Peninsula]]. The marriage of Isabella and Ferdinand joined the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon. The two shared power equally, established a code of law, strengthened the monarchy and facilitated the dismantling of power of the nobles within their kingdom. She and her husband regained the final Muslim-ruled territories, completing the re-conquest of Spain. She thus established the foundation for the political unification of [[Spain]] that occurred during the reign of their grandson, [[Carlos V, Holy Roman Emperor|Carlos I of Spain]].
  
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'''Isabella of Castile''' (April 22, 1451 – November 26, 1504) [[was Kings of Castile|queen of Castile and Aragon]] and her husband, [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]], were responsible for establishing the foundation for the political unification of [[Spain]] that occurred during the reign of their grandson, [[Carlos V, Holy Roman Emperor|Carlos I of Spain]]. Their reign was a turning point for the Iberian Peninsula.  The marriage of Isabella and Ferdinand joined the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon.  The two shared power equally, established a code of law, strengthened the monarchy and facilitated the dismantling of power of the nobles of the time within their kingdom. Isabella focused on converting the citizens of her kingdom to Catholicism, including by decree and use of force.
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A pious [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]], Isabella focused on converting the citizens of her kingdom, in pursuit of what she believed were necessary measures to ensure doctrinal uniformity to the Church. She unleashed the [[Inquisition]], and in 1492 she decreed that all [[Jews]] and [[Muslim]]s must either convert or be expelled. This act of misplaced religious zeal destroyed what has been a society marked by remarkable religious tolerance and co-existence. This was particularly onerous on the Jews, who were forced to emigrate to lands throughout Europe and North Africa; others converted outwardly but practiced their religion in secret; these "[[marranos]]" were hunted down by the Inquisition.  
  
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She is perhaps best known for funding Christopher Columbus' explorations. Interestingly enough, she showed compassion for the Native Americans encountered by Columbus, refusing to receive them as slaves,asking that they be returned to their homes and educated in the Catholic faith. In contrast, Jews and Muslims under her rule were treated with intolerance, forced to convert or be expelled.  
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Isabella is perhaps best known for funding [[Christopher Columbus]]' explorations, which resulted in Spain's overseas empire and Spanish domination of Europe for the next century. It also resulted in the Christianization of the peoples of [[Latin America]] and the use of Spanish as the lingua franca by millions.
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Although she showed compassion for the [[Native Americans]] encountered by Columbus, refusing to receive them as [[slave]]s and asking that they be returned to their homes and educated in the Catholic faith, the [[conquistadors]] who followed would enslave millions of Native Americans and destroy their ancient cultures.  
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On the positive side, as a result of the Spanish empire, many people today share a similar Hispanic culture and can communicate easily and have an awareness of a common legacy and of being citizens of an increasingly inter-dependent globe.  
  
 
==Name==
 
==Name==
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In germanic countries, she is usually known by the Italian form of her name, 'Isabella.' The [[Spanish language|Castilian]] version of her name was [[''Ysabel'' or ''Isabel'',]] which traces etymologically to Hebrew ''Elisth'' or 'Elizabeth'.    Likewise, her husband is ''Fernando'' in Spain, but ''Ferdinand'' elsewhere. The official inscription on their tomb renders their names in Latin as "Helizabeth" and "Fernandus". 
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In Germanic countries, she is usually known by the [[Italian]] form of her name, 'Isabella.' The Castilian version of her name was ''Ysabel'' or ''Isabel'', which traces etymologically to Hebrew ''Elisth'' or 'Elizabeth.' Likewise, her husband is ''Fernando'' in Spain, but ''Ferdinand'' elsewhere. The official inscription on their tomb renders their names in Latin as "Helizabeth" and "Fernandus."
  
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Pope [[Alexander VI]] named Ferdinand and Isabella "The [[Catholic Monarchs]]."   She is also known as ''Isabel la Católica''.
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Pope Alexander VI named Ferdinand and Isabella "The Catholic Monarchs." She is also known as ''Isabel la Católica'' (Isabel the Catholic), and Queen Isabella.
  
 
==Genealogy==
 
==Genealogy==
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{{main|Kings of Spain family tree}}
 
  
 
Isabella was great-great-granddaughter of:
 
Isabella was great-great-granddaughter of:
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*[[Henry II of Castile]] and his wife ([[Joan of Villena]],
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*Henry II of Castile and his wife Joan of Villena,
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*Henry's half-brother [[Peter I of Castile]] and his wife, [[Maria de Padilla]]).  
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*Henry's half-brother Peter I of Castile and his wife, Maria de Padilla.  
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*[Peter IV of Aragon]] and his wife [[Leonor of Portugal]], daughter of King [[Afonso IV of Portugal]]
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*Peter IV of Aragon and his wife Leonor of Portugal, daughter of King Afonso IV of Portugal
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*Leonor's half-brother [[Peter I of Portugal]] and his mistress Teresa Lourenço.  
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*Leonor's half-brother Peter I of Portugal and his mistress Teresa Lourenço.  
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*Through John of Gaunt; King [[Edward III of England]] and his wife [[Philippa of Hainault]].
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*Through John of Gaunt; King Edward III of England and his wife Philippa of Hainault.
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*[[Henry of Grosmont]], [[Duke of Lancaster]] and his wife [[Isabel de Beaumont]].  
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*Henry of Grosmont, Duke of Lancaster and his wife Isabel de Beaumont.  
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*[[Nuno Alvares Pereira]], Count de Barcelos and his wife Leonor Alvim, Countess of Barcelos.
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*Nuno Alvares Pereira, Count de Barcelos and his wife Leonor Alvim, Countess of Barcelos.
  
 
She was great-granddaughter of:
 
She was great-granddaughter of:
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*[[John I of Castile]] and his wife [[Eleanor of Aragon]], a sister of Kings [[John I of Aragon]] and [[Martin I of Aragon]].
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*John I of Castile and his wife Eleanor of Aragon, a sister of Kings John I of Aragon and Martin I of Aragon.
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*[[John of Gaunt]], [[Duke of Lancaster]] and his second wife [[Constance of Castile (1354-1394)|Constanza of Castile]], a daughter of [[Peter I of Castile]].  
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*John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and his second wife Constance of Castile (1354-1394), a daughter of Peter I of Castile.  
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*King [[John I of Portugal]] and his wife [[Philippa Plantagenet|Philippa of Lancaster]], daughter of John of Gaunt from his first wife [[Blanche of Lancaster]].
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*King John I of Portugal and his wife Philippa of Lancaster, daughter of John of Gaunt from his first wife Blanche of Lancaster.
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*[[Afonso, Duke de Braganza]], a son of John I of Portugal by Inez Perez, and his wife Beatriz Pereira, countess of Barcelos.  
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*Afonso, Duke de Braganza, a son of John I of Portugal by Inez Perez, and his wife Beatriz Pereira, countess of Barcelos.  
  
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Isabella's paternal grandparents were King [[Henry III of Castile]] and [[Catherine Plantagenet]] of the [[House of Lancaster]], a half sister of King [[Henry IV of England]]. Her maternal grandparents were Prince [[John, Duke of Aveiro|João of Portugal, Grand Master of Santiago]], who was a brother of [[Henry the Navigator]], and his wife [[Isabella de Bragança]].
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Isabella's paternal grandparents were King Henry III of Castile and Catherine Plantagenet of the English House of Lancaster, a half sister of King Henry IV of England. Her maternal grandparents were Prince João of Portugal, Grand Master of Santiago, who was a brother of [[Henry the Navigator]], and his wife Isabella de Bragança.
  
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Her parents were King [[John II of Castile]] and his second wife Queen [[Isabella of Portugal]].
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Her parents were King John II of Castile and his second wife Queen Isabella of Portugal.
  
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Isabella was the final monarch of the [[Trastamara]] dynasty established by [[Henry II of Castile]].
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Isabella was the final monarch of the Trastamara dynasty established by Henry II of Castile.
  
 
==Early years==
 
==Early years==
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Isabella was born in [[Madrigal de las Altas Torres]] on April 22, 1451. Her brother Alfonso was born three years later. Isabella was age three when her father, [[John II of Castile|John II]], died in 1454. At that time, her much older half-brother [[Henry IV of Castile|Henry IV]] became king. Upon ascending to the throne, he [[sequester]]ed his half-siblings to [[Segovia]] and his stepmother to [[Arévalo]], separating his young siblings from their mother and placing them in virtual [[exile]].  
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Isabella was born in Madrigal de las Altas Torres on April 22, 1451. Her brother Afonso was born three years later. Isabella was three years old when her father, John II of Castile, died in 1454. At that time, her much older half-brother Henry IV became king. Upon ascending to the throne, he sequestered his half-siblings to Segovia and his stepmother to Arévalo, placing them in virtual exile.  
  
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The first marriage of Henry IV, to [[Blanca of Navarre]] was not consummated and was annulled. He then married [[Joana of Portugal]] with the intention of producing offspring. His wife gave birth to [[Joan, princess of Castile]].  
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The first marriage of Henry IV, to Blanca of Navarre was not consummated and was annulled. He then married Joana of Portugal with the intention of producing offspring. His wife gave birth to Joan, princess of Castile.  
  
 
When Isabella was about ten, she and her brother were summoned to the court, to be under more direct supervision and control by the king.  
 
When Isabella was about ten, she and her brother were summoned to the court, to be under more direct supervision and control by the king.  
  
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In the [[Representation of Burgos]], the nobles challenged the King; demanding that Alfonso, Isabella's brother, be named heir to the kingdom. Henry agreed, with the condition that Alfonso marry his daughter, Joan. A few days later, he reversed his decision.  
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In the Representation of Burgos, the nobles challenged the King; demanding that Afonso, Isabella's brother, be named heir to the kingdom. Henry agreed, with the condition that Afonso marries his daughter, Joan. A few days later, he reversed his decision.  
  
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The nobles, now in control of Alfonso and claiming him to be the true heir, clashed with Henry's forces at the [[Battle of Olmedo]] in 1467. The battle was a draw.  
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The nobles, now in control of Afonso and claiming him to be the true heir, clashed with Henry's forces at the Battle of Olmedo in 1467. The battle was a draw.  
  
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One year later, Alfonso died at age fourteen. Isabella became the hope of the rebelling nobles. But she refused their advances, acknowledging Henry as king. He, in turn, recognized her as the legitimate heir, after she managed to convince him that he had been impotent and had not fathered Joan (by now, married off to the King of Portugal).  
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One year later, Afonso died at age fourteen. Isabella became the hope of the rebelling nobles. But she refused their advances, acknowledging Henry as king. He, in turn, recognized her as the legitimate heir, after she managed to convince him that he had been impotent and had not fathered Joan (by now, married off to the King of Portugal).  
  
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Henry tried to orchestrate marriage for Isabella with a number of people he had chosen. She evaded all these propositions. Instead, she chose [[Ferdinand II of Aragon|Ferdinand]], heir to the throne of [[Aragon]]. They were married October 19, 1469.  
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Henry tried to orchestrate marriage for Isabella with a number of people he had chosen. She evaded all these propositions. Instead, she chose [[Ferdinand II of Aragon|Ferdinand]], heir to the throne of [[Aragon]]. They were married October 19, 1469.
  
 
==Accession==
 
==Accession==
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When Henry IV died on December 10, 1474, Isabella acted quickly. Three days after Henry's death, she was crowned Queen of Castile at [[Segovia]].  
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When Henry IV died on December 10, 1474, Isabella acted quickly. Three days after Henry's death, she was crowned Queen of Castile at Segovia.  
  
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While she and Ferdinand began to reorganize the court, [[Afonso V of Portugal]] crossed the border and declared Joan the rightful heir. Ferdinand beat the invaders back at the [[Battle of Toro]] in 1476, and the challenge to the crown of Castile was rejected. In a series of separate marches, Ferdinand and Isabella went on to subjugate renegade and rebellious towns, fortresses, and points of power that had developed over time.  
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While she and Ferdinand began to reorganize the court, Alfonso V of Portugal crossed the border and declared Joan the rightful heir. Ferdinand beat the invaders back at the Battle of Toro in 1476, and the challenge to the crown of Castile was rejected. In a series of separate marches, Ferdinand and Isabella went on to subjugate renegade and rebellious towns, fortresses, and points of power that had developed over time.  
  
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In 1479, Ferdinand's father died, establishing Ferdinand and Isabella as King and Queen of Aragon. In 1480, the couple assembled the [[Cortes of Toledo]] where, under their supervision, five royal councils and 34 civilian representatives produced a codex of laws and edicts as the legal groundwork for the future Spain. This established the centralization of power with the royals and set the basis for economic and judicial rehabilitation of the country. As part of this reform, and in their attempt to unify the country, Ferdinand and Isabella solicited Pope [[Sixtus IV]] to authorize the Inquisition. In 1483, [[Tomás de Torquemada]] became the first [[Inquisitor General]] in [[Seville]].
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In 1479, Ferdinand's father died, establishing Ferdinand and Isabella as King and Queen of Aragon. In 1480, the couple assembled the Cortes of Toledo where, under their supervision, five royal councils and 34 civilian representatives produced a codex of laws and edicts as the legal groundwork for the future Spain. This established the centralization of power with the royals and set the basis for economic and judicial rehabilitation of the country. As part of this reform, and in their attempt to unify the country, Ferdinand and Isabella solicited Pope Sixtus IV to authorize the Inquisition. In 1483, Tomás de Torquemada became the first Inquisitor General in Seville.
  
 
==The events of 1492==
 
==The events of 1492==
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===Granada===
 
===Granada===
 
[[Image:BoabdilFerdinandIsabella.jpg|thumb|right|400px|''The Capitulation of Granada'' by F. Padilla: Boabdil before Ferdinand and Isabella]]
 
[[Image:BoabdilFerdinandIsabella.jpg|thumb|right|400px|''The Capitulation of Granada'' by F. Padilla: Boabdil before Ferdinand and Isabella]]
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The Kingdom of [[Granada]] had been held by the [[Moors]] since their invasion of Spain in the 8th century. Protected by natural barriers and fortified towns, it had withstood the long process of the [[reconquista]]. However, in contrast to the determined leadership by Isabella and Ferdinand, Granada's leadership was divided and never presented a united front. It took ten years to conquer Granada, culminating in 1492.
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By the time Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand turned their eyes toward the Kingdom of Granada with reconquest in mind, Granada had been held by the Muslim Moors since their invasion of Spain in the eighth century. Protected by natural barriers and fortified towns, Granada had withstood attempts at reconquista since shortly after the Moors' eighth-century invasion and occupation. However, in contrast to the determined leadership by Isabella and Ferdinand, Granada's divided leadership of the late fifteenth century was no match. It took ten years for Isabella and Ferdinand to conquer Granada, with final victory in 1492. Early on in the final push for reconquest, the Spaniards captured [[Boabdil]], one of the rulers. He was set free after a ransom was paid, and allowed to return to Granada and resume his reign.
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The Spanish monarchs had recruited soldiers from many European countries and improved their artillery with the latest cannons. In 1485, soldiers of the king and queen laid siege to Ronda, which surrendered after extensive bombardment. The following year, Loja, Granada was taken, and again Boabdil was captured and released. One year later, with the fall of Málaga, the western part of the Moorish kingdom had fallen into Spanish hands. The eastern province succumbed after the fall of Baza, Granada in 1489. The siege of Granada began in the spring of 1491. At the end of the year, Boabdil surrendered.
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When an accidental fire destroyed the Spanish camp, the camp was rebuilt in stone, in the form of a cross, painted white, and named Santa Fe (“Holy Faith”).  
  
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When the Spaniards, early on, captured [[Boabdil]], one of the rulers, they set him free - for a ransom - so that he could return to Granada and resume his reign. The Spanish monarchs recruited soldiers from many European countries and improved their artillery with the latest and best cannons. Systematically, they proceeded to take the kingdom piece by piece. In 1485 they laid siege to [[Ronda]], which surrendered after extensive bombardment. The following year, [[Loja, Granada|Loja]] was taken, and again Boabdil was captured and released. One year later, with the fall of [[Málaga]], the western part of the Moorish kingdom had fallen into Spanish hands. The eastern province succumbed after the fall of [[Baza, Granada|Baza]] in 1489. The siege of Granada began in the spring of 1491. When the Spanish camp was destroyed by an accidental fire, the camp was rebuilt, in stone, in the form of a cross, painted white, and named Santa Fe (''i.e.'' 'Holy Faith'). At the end of the year, Boabdil surrendered. On January 2, 1492 Isabel and Ferdinand entered Granada to receive the keys of the city and the principal [[mosque]] was reconsecrated as a church. The [[Treaty of Granada]] signed later that year was to assure religious rights to the Islamic believers - but it did not last.
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On January 2, 1492, Isabel and Ferdinand entered Granada to receive the keys of the city. The principal [[mosque]] was reconsecrated as a church. The Treaty of Granada signed later that year assured religious rights to the Islamic believers—but this treaty was not honored long.
  
 
===Columbus===
 
===Columbus===
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[[Image:Columbusstamp.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Columbus before Isabella and Ferdinand]]
 
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Queen Isabella rejected [[Christopher Columbus]]'s plan to reach the [[Indies]] by sailing west three times before changing her mind.  His conditions (the position of Admiral; governorship for him and his descendants of lands to be discovered; and ten percent of the profits) were met. On August 3, his expedition departed. He returned the next year and presented his findings to the monarchs, bringing natives and gold under a hero's welcome. Spain entered a [[Golden Age]] of [[exploration]] and [[Spanish colonization of the Americas|colonization]]. In 1494, by the [[Treaty of Tordesillas]], Isabella and Ferdinand divided the Earth - outside of Europe - with [[Portugal]].
 
  
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Isabella tried to defend the [[American aborigines]] against the abuse of the colonists. In 1503, she established the Secretary of Indian Affairs, which later became the [[Supreme Council of the Indies]].
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[[Christopher Columbus]]' plan to reach the Indies by sailing west was rejected three times by Queen Isabella before she agreed to support him. Isabella agreed to meet Columbus' conditions that included giving him the position of Admiral; governorship for him and his descendants of lands to be discovered; and ten percent of the profits from the trip. His expedition departed on August 3, 1492. He received a hero's welcome upon returning the following year and presented his findings to the monarchs, bringing natives and gold. This voyage marked Spain's entrance into a Golden Age of exploration and [[Spanish colonization of the Americas|colonization]].
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In 1494, Isabella and Ferdinand divided the Earth outside of Europe with [[Portugal]], by the [[Treaty of Tordesillas]].
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Rather than enslaving the Native Americans that Columbus had offered, Isabella insisted that they be returned to their home. She continued to defend the natives against the abuse of the colonists. In 1503, she established the Secretary of Indian Affairs, which later became the Supreme Council of the Indies.
  
 
===Expulsion of the Jews and Muslims===
 
===Expulsion of the Jews and Muslims===
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With the institution of the Roman Catholic Inquisition in Spain, with the Dominican friar, the ''[[converso]]'' [[Tomás de Torquemada]], as the first Inquisitor General, the Catholic Monarchs set a policy of "religious cleansing". On March 31, 1492, they issued the [[Alhambra decree|Alhambra Decree]] for the expulsion of the Jews (See main article on [[Spanish Inquisition|Inquisition]]) as well as Muslims in Spain. Approximately 200,000 people left Spain. Others converted, often only to be persecuted further by the Inquisition investigating Judaizing ''conversos'' ([[Marranos]]). The Muslims of the newly conquered Granada had been initially granted religious freedom, but pressure to convert increased, and after some revolts, a policy of forced expulsion or conversion was also instituted after 1500 (see [[Moriscos]]).
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When Isabella and Ferdinand instituted the Roman Catholic Inquisition in Spain, with the Dominican friar, the ''converso'' Tomás de Torquemada, as the first Inquisitor General, the Catholic Monarchs set a policy of "religious cleansing." On March 31, 1492, they issued the Alhambra decree for the expulsion of the Jews (See main article on [[Spanish Inquisition|Inquisition]]) and Muslims in Spain. Approximately 200,000 people left Spain. Others converted, many of whom were persecuted further by the Inquisition investigating Judaizing ''conversos'' (Marranos). The Muslims of the newly conquered Granada were initially granted religious freedom by treaty, but pressure to convert increased, and after some revolts, a policy of forced expulsion or conversion was instituted after 1500.
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==Children==
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Isabella had five children with Ferdinand:
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* Isabella of Asturias (October 1, 1470 - August 23, 1498)—first married Afonso of Portugal, and, after his death, Manuel I of Portugal; died in childbirth; her child died two years later.
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* John, Prince of Asturias (June 28, 1478 - October 4, 1497)—married Margaret of Austria (1480-1530), died after six months of marriage without offspring
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* Juana of Castile, "La Loca" (November 6, 1479 - April 13, 1555)—married Philip the Handsome
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* Maria of Aragon (June 29, 1482 - March 7, 1517)—married Manuel I of Portugalafter Isabella's death.  
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* Catherine of Aragon (December 15, 1485 - January 7, 1536)—first married Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales, and, after his death, his brother Henry VIII of England, King of England
  
 
==Later years==
 
==Later years==
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[[Image:QueenIsabellasWill.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Queen Isabella's Will, by E.Rosales. On the left: Juana and Ferdinand, on the right: Cardinal Cisneros (black cap)]]
 
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Isabella, a very religious person, received with her husband the title of [[Reyes Catolicos|Reina Católica]] by [[Pope Alexander VI]], a pope of whose secularism Isabella did not approve. Along with the physical unification of Spain, Isabella and Ferdinand embarked on a process of spiritual unification, trying to bring the country under one faith (Roman Catholicism). As part of this process, the Inquisition became institutionalized. After an uprising in 1499, the [[Treaty of Granada]] was broken in 1502 and Muslims were forced to either be baptized or to be expelled. Isabella's confessor, [[Francisco Cardinal Jiménez de Cisneros|Cisneros]] was named Archbishop of [[Toledo, Spain|Toledo]]. He was instrumental in a program of rehabilitation of the religious institutions of Spain, laying the groundwork for the later [[Counter-Reformation]]. As Chancellor, he exerted more and more power. 
 
  
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Isabella and her husband had created an empire and in later years were consumed with administration and politics; they were concerned with the succession and worked to link the Spanish crown to the other rulers in [[Europe]]. Politically this can be seen in attempts to outflank France and to unite the Iberian peninsula. By early 1497 all the pieces seemed to be in place: Juan, the Crown Prince, married [[Margaret of Austria]], establishing the connection to the [[Habsburg]]s. The eldest daughter, Isabelle, married [[Manuel I of Portugal]], and Juana was married to another Habsburg prince, Philip. However, Isabella's plans for her children did not work out. Juan died shortly after his marriage. Isabella died in childbirth and her son Miguel died at the age of two. Queen Isabella's titles passed to her daughter [[Juana of Castile|Juana the Mad]] ('la Loca') whose marriage to [[Philip the Handsome]] was troubled. Isabella died in 1504 in [[Medina del Campo]], before Philip and Ferdinand became enemies.
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[[Pope Alexander VI]] bestowed the title of "Reina Catolica" upon Isabella, a very religious person, and her husband. In spite of the honor, Isabella did not approve of this pope's secularism.
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Along with the physical unification of Spain, Isabella and Ferdinand embarked on a process of spiritual unification of the citizens of the country by trying to bring them under one faith (Roman Catholicism). As part of this process, the Inquisition became institutionalized. Isabella's confessor, [[Francisco Cardinal Jiménez de Cisneros]] was named Archbishop of Toledo, Spain. He was instrumental in a program of rehabilitation of the religious institutions of Spain, laying the groundwork for the later Counter-Reformation. As Chancellor, he exerted more and more power.
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Isabella and her husband, who had created an empire, were in latter years consumed with administration and politics. They were worried about succession and worked to link the Spanish crown to the other rulers they favored in [[Europe]] through the marriage of their children. Specifically, they attempted to outflank France and to unite the Iberian Peninsula. In 1497 Juan, the Crown Prince, married Margaret of Austria, establishing the connection to the [[Habsburg]]s. The eldest daughter, Isabelle, married Manuel I of Portugal, and Juana was married to another Habsburg prince, Philip.  
  
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Isabella is entombed in [[Granada]] in the [[Capilla Real]], which was built by her grandson, [[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor]] (Carlos I of Spain), alongside her husband Ferdinand, her daughter Juana and Juana's husband Philip; and Isabella's 2-year old grandson, Miguel (the son of Isabella's daughter, also named Isabella, and King Manuel of Portugal). The museum next to the Capilla Real houses her crown and scepter.
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However, Isabella's plans for her children did not work out. Juan died shortly after his marriage. Isabella died in childbirth and her son Miguel died at the age of two. Queen Isabella's titles passed to her daughter Juana of Castile ''(la Loca)'' whose marriage to Philip the Handsome was troubled. Isabella died in 1504 in Medina del Campo, before Philip and Ferdinand became enemies.
  
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==Children==
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Isabella is entombed in Granada in the Capilla Real, which was built by her grandson, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor (Carlos I of Spain), alongside her husband Ferdinand, her daughter Juana and Juana's husband Philip; and Isabella's 2-year old grandson, Miguel (the son of Isabella's daughter, also named Isabella, and King Manuel of Portugal). The museum next to the Capilla Real houses her crown and scepter.
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Isabella had five children with Ferdinand:
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* [[Isabella of Asturias]] (b. October 1, 1470; d. August 23, 1498) — first married [[Afonso of Portugal]], and, after his death, [[Manuel I of Portugal]]; died in childbirth; her child died two years later.
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== Legacy ==
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* [[John, Prince of Asturias]] (b. June 28, 1478; d. October 4, 1497) — married [[Margaret of Austria (1480-1530)|Margaret of Austria]] (1480–1530), died after six months of marriage without offspring
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Isabella and Ferdinand began their marriage with a prenuptial agreement in place that established equality within the terms of their partnership. On this foundation, they built a highly effective coregency. During their reign, they supported each other in accordance with their joint motto: ''Tanto monta, monta tanto, Isabel como Fernando'' ("They amount to the same, Isabella and Ferdinand").
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* [[Juana of Castile]], "La Loca" (b. November 6, 1479; d. April 13, 1555) — married [[Philip the Handsome]]
 
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* [[Maria of Aragon]] (b. June 29, 1482; d. March 7, 1517) — married [[Manuel I of Portugal]]after Isabella's death.  
 
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* [[Catherine of Aragon]] (b. December 15, 1485; d. January 7, 1536) — first married [[Arthur Tudor]], Prince of Wales, and, after his death, his brother [[Henry VIII of England|Henry VIII]], King of England
 
  
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== Influence ==
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Their achievements are remarkable. Spain was united. Under the crown, power was centralized. The reconquista was successfully concluded. A legal framework was created. The Catholic Church was reformed. Even without the benefit of the American expansion, Spain would have been a major European power. Columbus' discovery set the country on the course for the first modern world power.  
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Isabella and her husband established a highly effective coregency under equal terms. He utilized a prenuptial agreement to lay down their terms. During their reign they supported each other effectively in accordance to their joint motto of equality: ''Tanto monta, monta tanto, Isabel como Fernando'' ("They amount to the same, Isabella and Ferdinand"). Their achievements are remarkable - Spain was united, under the crown power was centralized, the reconquista was successfully concluded, a legal framework was created, the church reformed. Even without the benefit of the American expansion, Spain would have been a major European power. Columbus' discovery set the country on the course for the first modern [[global empire|world power]].  
 
  
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The dark side of their reign also had long-term consequences. The Inquisition and their intolerant treatment of religious minorities was harsh and cruel. A negative historic model was set.
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However, the dark side of their reign had long-term consequences. The Inquisition and its intolerant treatment of religious minorities was harsh and cruel. A negative historic model was set that continued to impact the course of history into modern times. The wealth of the Spanish empire was gained by conquest was spent quickly, leading to a quick decline compared to the [[Roman Empire]] the preceded it or the [[British Empire]] that followed it.
  
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==Isabella and contemporary politics and religion==
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In the twentieth century, the regime of [[Francisco Franco]] claimed the prestige of the Catholic Monarchs. As a result, Isabella was despised by those opposed to Franco and is often blamed as the principal instigator of the [[Spanish Inquisition]] by separatists. This sort of animosity is based on a belief in the inherent evil of the Inquisition.  
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In the [[twentieth century]], the regime of [[Francisco Franco]] claimed the prestige of the Catholic Monarchs. As a result, Isabella was despised by those opposed to Franco, and is often blamed as the principal instigator of the [[Spanish Inquisition]] by seperatists. Of course, this sort of animosity is based on a belief in the inherent evil of the Inquisition, which, according to current scholars, was the most lenient, enlightened judicial body of its day. In fact, Isabella's Inquisition helped the monarchy root out individuals disloyal to Spain and secretly hoping to destroy the country.
 
  
−
Some Catholic Spaniards have attempted to have Isabella declared as [[Blessed]], with the aim of later having her [[canonization|canonized]] as a Saint. Their justification is that Isabella was a protector of the Spanish poor and of the [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native Americans]] from the rapacity of the Spanish nobility; in addition, [[miracles]] have reportedly been attributed to her. This movement has met with opposition from Jewish organizations, [[Liberation Theology|Liberation theologians]] and [[Jean-Marie Cardinal Lustiger]], due to the fact that Isabella had many Moors killed after her entrance to [[Córdoba, Spain|Cordoba]]. In [[1974]], [[Pope Paul VI]] opened her cause for [[beatification]].  This places her on the path towards possible [[sainthood]].  In the Catholic Church, she is thus titled ''[[Servant of God]]''.
+
Some Catholic Spaniards have attempted to have Isabella declared as blessed, with the aim of later having her canonized as a Saint. Their justification is that Isabella was a protector of the Spanish poor and of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas from the rapacity of the Spanish nobility. In addition, [[miracles]] have reportedly been attributed to her. This movement has met with opposition from Jewish organizations, Liberation theologians and Jean-Marie, Cardinal Lustiger, due to the fact that Isabella had many Moors killed after her entrance to Córdoba.  
  
−
Isabella was the first named woman to appear on a United States coin, an 1893 [[United States Commemorative Coin|commemorative]] quarter, celebrating the 400th anniversary of [[Christopher Columbus|Columbus]]'s first voyage. In the same year she was the first woman and only foreign ruler to be featured on a U.S. postal stamp, also in celebration of Columbus. She appears in the Spanish court scene replicated on the 15-cent Columbian (above) and in full portrait, side by side with Columbus, on the $4 Columbian, the only stamp of that denomination ever issued and one which collectors prize not only for its rarity (only 30,000 were printed) but its beauty, an exquisite carmine with some copies having a crimson hue. Mint specimens of this commemorative have been sold for more than $20,000.
+
In 1974, [[Pope Paul VI]] opened her cause for beatification. This places her on the path towards possible [[sainthood]]. In the Catholic Church, she is thus titled ''Servant of God''.
  
−
==Isabella in fiction==
+
Isabella was the first named woman to appear on a United States coin, an 1893 United States commemorative quarter, celebrating the 400th anniversary of [[Christopher Columbus|Columbus]]'s first voyage. In the same year she was the first woman and only foreign ruler to be featured on a U.S. postal stamp, also in celebration of Columbus. She appears in the Spanish court scene replicated on the 15-cent Columbian (above) and in full portrait, side by side with Columbus, on the rare $4 Columbian, the only stamp of that denomination ever issued.
−
*Ferdinand and Isabella appear in [[Lope de Vega]]'s play ''[[Fuente Ovejuna]]'' (''c.'' 1611), represented positively as supporters of a group of villagers in their struggle against their [[feudal]] overlord.
 
−
*In film, Isabella has been played by [[Lola Flores]], in ''[[Juana la Loca, de vez en cuando]]'' (1983) and by [[Sigourney Weaver]], in ''[[1492: Conquest of Paradise]]'' (1992).
 
−
*Isabella has been featured in the PC [[video game]] [[Civilization IV]]. In the game, Isabella is the lone civilization leader of the [[Spain|Spanish Empire]].
 
−
*Isabella is featured in the PC [[video game]] [[Age of Empires III]]. In the game, Isabella is one of the leaders representing their European Countries. Isabella, of course, represents Spain.
 
−
*Isabella appears as the mother of Catherine, the titular heroine of the novel ''The Constant Princess'', by [[Philippa Gregory]].
 
−
*Christopher Columbus negotiates with Isabella and her husband, Ferdinand of Aragon, in [[Orson Scott Card]]'s ''Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus''.
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
−
*Miller, T. ''The Castles and the Crown. Spain 1451-1555'' (New York: Coward-McCann, New York, 1963)
+
*Miller, Townsend. ''The Castles and the Crown. Spain 1451-1555'' New York: Coward-McCann, New York, 1963 ASIN: B0007EABYY
−
*Carroll, Warren H. ''Isabel Of Spain: The Catholic Queen''.
+
*Carroll, Warren H. ''Isabel Of Spain: The Catholic Queen'', Chicago, IL: Christendom Press, 2004 ISBN 0931888433
 
*Meyer, Carolyn. ''Isabel: Jewel of Castilla, Spain, 1466'' (The Royal Diaries)
 
*Meyer, Carolyn. ''Isabel: Jewel of Castilla, Spain, 1466'' (The Royal Diaries)
−
 
+
NY: Scholastic, 2004 ISBN 0439078059
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== See also ==
 
−
*[[Al-Andalus]]
 
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*[[Francisco Jimenez de Cisneros|Cardinal Cisneros]], Isabella and Ferdinand's famous and powerful Cardinal.
 
−
*[[History of Spain]].
 
−
*[[Moors]].
 
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*[[Reconquista]]
 
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*[[Kings of Spain family tree]]
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
*[http://www.el-mundo.es/cronica/2004/459/1091455989.html El obispo judío que bloquea a la "santa"]. A report in Spanish about the beatification at ''[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]''.
+
All links retrieved March 6, 2018.
 +
*[http://www.el-mundo.es/cronica/2004/459/1091455989.html El obispo judío que bloquea a la "santa"]. A report in Spanish about the beatification at ''El Mundo''.
 
*[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08177a.htm Isabella I in the Catholic Encyclopedia]  
 
*[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08177a.htm Isabella I in the Catholic Encyclopedia]  
 
*[http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/columbus2.html Medieval Sourcebook: Columbus' letter to King and Queen of Spain, 1494]
 
*[http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/columbus2.html Medieval Sourcebook: Columbus' letter to King and Queen of Spain, 1494]
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*[http://www.goldbergweb.com/en/magazine/essays/2004/02/20213_print.php Music at Isabella's court]
 
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*[http://www3.dcs.hull.ac.uk/cgi-bin/gedlkup/n=royal?royal00841 University of Hull: Genealogy information on Isabella I]
 
  
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{{s-start}}
 
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{{s-bef|rows=2|before=[[Henry IV of Castile|Henry IV]]}}
 
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{{s-ttl|title=[[List of Monarchs of Castile|Queen of Castile]]|regent1=[[Ferdinand II of Aragon|Fernando V]]|years=[[1474]]-[[1504]]|years1=[[1474]]-[[1504]]}}
 
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{{s-aft|rows=2|after=[[Juana of Castile|Juana]]}}
 
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{{s-ttl|title=[[List of Monarchs of Leon|Queen of León]]|years=[[1474]]-[[1504]]|regent1=[[Ferdinand II of Aragon|Fernando V]]|years1=[[1474]]-[[1504]]}}
 
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|-
 
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{{s-bef|rows=5|before=[[John II of Aragon|John II]]}}
 
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{{s-ttl|title=[[List of Aragonese monarchs|Queen of Aragon]]|regent1=[[Ferdinand II of Aragon|Fernando V]]|years=[[1479]]-[[1504]]|years1=[[1479]]-[[1516]]}}
 
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{{s-aft|rows=6|after=[[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|Charles V]]}}
 
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|-
 
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{{s-ttl|rows=1|title=[[List of Counts of Barcelona|Countess of Barcelona]]|regent1=[[Ferdinand II of Aragon|Fernando V]]|years=[[1479]]-[[1504]]|years1=[[1479]]-[[1516]]}}
 
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|-
 
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{{s-ttl|rows=1|title=[[List of Valencian monarchs|Queen of Valencia]]|regent1=[[Ferdinand II of Aragon|Fernando V]]|years=[[1479]]-[[1504]]|years1=[[1479]]-[[1516]]}}
 
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|-
 
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{{s-ttl|rows=1|title=[[List of Majorcan monarchs|Queen of Majorca]]|regent1=[[Ferdinand II of Aragon|Fernando V]]|years=[[1479]]-[[1504]]|years1=[[1479]]-[[1516]]}}
 
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|-
 
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{{s-ttl|rows=1|title=[[List of monarchs of Naples and Sicily|Queen of Sicily]]|regent1=[[Ferdinand II of Aragon|Fernando V]]|years=[[1504]]|years1=[[1504]]-[[1516]]}}
 
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|-
 
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{{s-bef|rows=1|before=[[Louis XII of France|Louis]]}}
 
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{{s-ttl|rows=1|title=[[List of monarchs of Naples and Sicily|Queen of Naples]]|regent1=[[Ferdinand II of Aragon|Fernando V]]|years=[[1504]]|years1=[[1504]]-[[1516]]}}
 
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|-
 
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{{end}}
 
  
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[[Category:Castilian monarchs]]
 
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[[Category:History of Spain]]
 
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[[category:History and biography]]
 
 
[[category:Biography]]
 
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Latest revision as of 19:02, 7 March 2024

Isabella of Castile

Isabella of Castile (April 22, 1451 – November 26, 1504) was queen of Castile and Aragon. Together with her husband, Ferdinand II of Aragon, their reign was a turning point for the Iberian Peninsula. The marriage of Isabella and Ferdinand joined the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon. The two shared power equally, established a code of law, strengthened the monarchy and facilitated the dismantling of power of the nobles within their kingdom. She and her husband regained the final Muslim-ruled territories, completing the re-conquest of Spain. She thus established the foundation for the political unification of Spain that occurred during the reign of their grandson, Carlos I of Spain.

A pious Catholic, Isabella focused on converting the citizens of her kingdom, in pursuit of what she believed were necessary measures to ensure doctrinal uniformity to the Church. She unleashed the Inquisition, and in 1492 she decreed that all Jews and Muslims must either convert or be expelled. This act of misplaced religious zeal destroyed what has been a society marked by remarkable religious tolerance and co-existence. This was particularly onerous on the Jews, who were forced to emigrate to lands throughout Europe and North Africa; others converted outwardly but practiced their religion in secret; these "marranos" were hunted down by the Inquisition.

Isabella is perhaps best known for funding Christopher Columbus' explorations, which resulted in Spain's overseas empire and Spanish domination of Europe for the next century. It also resulted in the Christianization of the peoples of Latin America and the use of Spanish as the lingua franca by millions.

Although she showed compassion for the Native Americans encountered by Columbus, refusing to receive them as slaves and asking that they be returned to their homes and educated in the Catholic faith, the conquistadors who followed would enslave millions of Native Americans and destroy their ancient cultures.

On the positive side, as a result of the Spanish empire, many people today share a similar Hispanic culture and can communicate easily and have an awareness of a common legacy and of being citizens of an increasingly inter-dependent globe.

Name

In Germanic countries, she is usually known by the Italian form of her name, 'Isabella.' The Castilian version of her name was Ysabel or Isabel, which traces etymologically to Hebrew Elisth or 'Elizabeth.' Likewise, her husband is Fernando in Spain, but Ferdinand elsewhere. The official inscription on their tomb renders their names in Latin as "Helizabeth" and "Fernandus."

Pope Alexander VI named Ferdinand and Isabella "The Catholic Monarchs." She is also known as Isabel la Católica (Isabel the Catholic), and Queen Isabella.

Genealogy

Isabella was great-great-granddaughter of:

  • Henry II of Castile and his wife Joan of Villena,
  • Henry's half-brother Peter I of Castile and his wife, Maria de Padilla.
  • Peter IV of Aragon and his wife Leonor of Portugal, daughter of King Afonso IV of Portugal
  • Leonor's half-brother Peter I of Portugal and his mistress Teresa Lourenço.
  • Through John of Gaunt; King Edward III of England and his wife Philippa of Hainault.
  • Henry of Grosmont, Duke of Lancaster and his wife Isabel de Beaumont.
  • Nuno Alvares Pereira, Count de Barcelos and his wife Leonor Alvim, Countess of Barcelos.

She was great-granddaughter of:

  • John I of Castile and his wife Eleanor of Aragon, a sister of Kings John I of Aragon and Martin I of Aragon.
  • John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and his second wife Constance of Castile (1354-1394), a daughter of Peter I of Castile.
  • King John I of Portugal and his wife Philippa of Lancaster, daughter of John of Gaunt from his first wife Blanche of Lancaster.
  • Afonso, Duke de Braganza, a son of John I of Portugal by Inez Perez, and his wife Beatriz Pereira, countess of Barcelos.

Isabella's paternal grandparents were King Henry III of Castile and Catherine Plantagenet of the English House of Lancaster, a half sister of King Henry IV of England. Her maternal grandparents were Prince João of Portugal, Grand Master of Santiago, who was a brother of Henry the Navigator, and his wife Isabella de Bragança.

Her parents were King John II of Castile and his second wife Queen Isabella of Portugal.

Isabella was the final monarch of the Trastamara dynasty established by Henry II of Castile.

Early years

Isabella was born in Madrigal de las Altas Torres on April 22, 1451. Her brother Afonso was born three years later. Isabella was three years old when her father, John II of Castile, died in 1454. At that time, her much older half-brother Henry IV became king. Upon ascending to the throne, he sequestered his half-siblings to Segovia and his stepmother to Arévalo, placing them in virtual exile.

The first marriage of Henry IV, to Blanca of Navarre was not consummated and was annulled. He then married Joana of Portugal with the intention of producing offspring. His wife gave birth to Joan, princess of Castile.

When Isabella was about ten, she and her brother were summoned to the court, to be under more direct supervision and control by the king.

In the Representation of Burgos, the nobles challenged the King; demanding that Afonso, Isabella's brother, be named heir to the kingdom. Henry agreed, with the condition that Afonso marries his daughter, Joan. A few days later, he reversed his decision.

The nobles, now in control of Afonso and claiming him to be the true heir, clashed with Henry's forces at the Battle of Olmedo in 1467. The battle was a draw.

One year later, Afonso died at age fourteen. Isabella became the hope of the rebelling nobles. But she refused their advances, acknowledging Henry as king. He, in turn, recognized her as the legitimate heir, after she managed to convince him that he had been impotent and had not fathered Joan (by now, married off to the King of Portugal).

Henry tried to orchestrate marriage for Isabella with a number of people he had chosen. She evaded all these propositions. Instead, she chose Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Aragon. They were married October 19, 1469.

Accession

When Henry IV died on December 10, 1474, Isabella acted quickly. Three days after Henry's death, she was crowned Queen of Castile at Segovia.

While she and Ferdinand began to reorganize the court, Alfonso V of Portugal crossed the border and declared Joan the rightful heir. Ferdinand beat the invaders back at the Battle of Toro in 1476, and the challenge to the crown of Castile was rejected. In a series of separate marches, Ferdinand and Isabella went on to subjugate renegade and rebellious towns, fortresses, and points of power that had developed over time.

In 1479, Ferdinand's father died, establishing Ferdinand and Isabella as King and Queen of Aragon. In 1480, the couple assembled the Cortes of Toledo where, under their supervision, five royal councils and 34 civilian representatives produced a codex of laws and edicts as the legal groundwork for the future Spain. This established the centralization of power with the royals and set the basis for economic and judicial rehabilitation of the country. As part of this reform, and in their attempt to unify the country, Ferdinand and Isabella solicited Pope Sixtus IV to authorize the Inquisition. In 1483, Tomás de Torquemada became the first Inquisitor General in Seville.

The events of 1492

1492 was an important year for Isabella, seeing the conquest of Granada and hence the end of the 'Reconquista' (reconquest), her successful patronage of Christopher Columbus, and her expulsion of the Jews and Muslims.

Granada

The Capitulation of Granada by F. Padilla: Boabdil before Ferdinand and Isabella

By the time Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand turned their eyes toward the Kingdom of Granada with reconquest in mind, Granada had been held by the Muslim Moors since their invasion of Spain in the eighth century. Protected by natural barriers and fortified towns, Granada had withstood attempts at reconquista since shortly after the Moors' eighth-century invasion and occupation. However, in contrast to the determined leadership by Isabella and Ferdinand, Granada's divided leadership of the late fifteenth century was no match. It took ten years for Isabella and Ferdinand to conquer Granada, with final victory in 1492. Early on in the final push for reconquest, the Spaniards captured Boabdil, one of the rulers. He was set free after a ransom was paid, and allowed to return to Granada and resume his reign.

The Spanish monarchs had recruited soldiers from many European countries and improved their artillery with the latest cannons. In 1485, soldiers of the king and queen laid siege to Ronda, which surrendered after extensive bombardment. The following year, Loja, Granada was taken, and again Boabdil was captured and released. One year later, with the fall of Málaga, the western part of the Moorish kingdom had fallen into Spanish hands. The eastern province succumbed after the fall of Baza, Granada in 1489. The siege of Granada began in the spring of 1491. At the end of the year, Boabdil surrendered.

When an accidental fire destroyed the Spanish camp, the camp was rebuilt in stone, in the form of a cross, painted white, and named Santa Fe (“Holy Faith”).

On January 2, 1492, Isabel and Ferdinand entered Granada to receive the keys of the city. The principal mosque was reconsecrated as a church. The Treaty of Granada signed later that year assured religious rights to the Islamic believers—but this treaty was not honored long.

Columbus

Christopher Columbus' plan to reach the Indies by sailing west was rejected three times by Queen Isabella before she agreed to support him. Isabella agreed to meet Columbus' conditions that included giving him the position of Admiral; governorship for him and his descendants of lands to be discovered; and ten percent of the profits from the trip. His expedition departed on August 3, 1492. He received a hero's welcome upon returning the following year and presented his findings to the monarchs, bringing natives and gold. This voyage marked Spain's entrance into a Golden Age of exploration and colonization.

In 1494, Isabella and Ferdinand divided the Earth outside of Europe with Portugal, by the Treaty of Tordesillas.

Rather than enslaving the Native Americans that Columbus had offered, Isabella insisted that they be returned to their home. She continued to defend the natives against the abuse of the colonists. In 1503, she established the Secretary of Indian Affairs, which later became the Supreme Council of the Indies.

Expulsion of the Jews and Muslims

When Isabella and Ferdinand instituted the Roman Catholic Inquisition in Spain, with the Dominican friar, the converso Tomás de Torquemada, as the first Inquisitor General, the Catholic Monarchs set a policy of "religious cleansing." On March 31, 1492, they issued the Alhambra decree for the expulsion of the Jews (See main article on Inquisition) and Muslims in Spain. Approximately 200,000 people left Spain. Others converted, many of whom were persecuted further by the Inquisition investigating Judaizing conversos (Marranos). The Muslims of the newly conquered Granada were initially granted religious freedom by treaty, but pressure to convert increased, and after some revolts, a policy of forced expulsion or conversion was instituted after 1500.

Children

Isabella had five children with Ferdinand:

  • Isabella of Asturias (October 1, 1470 - August 23, 1498)—first married Afonso of Portugal, and, after his death, Manuel I of Portugal; died in childbirth; her child died two years later.
  • John, Prince of Asturias (June 28, 1478 - October 4, 1497)—married Margaret of Austria (1480-1530), died after six months of marriage without offspring
  • Juana of Castile, "La Loca" (November 6, 1479 - April 13, 1555)—married Philip the Handsome
  • Maria of Aragon (June 29, 1482 - March 7, 1517)—married Manuel I of Portugalafter Isabella's death.
  • Catherine of Aragon (December 15, 1485 - January 7, 1536)—first married Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales, and, after his death, his brother Henry VIII of England, King of England

Later years

Pope Alexander VI bestowed the title of "Reina Catolica" upon Isabella, a very religious person, and her husband. In spite of the honor, Isabella did not approve of this pope's secularism.

Along with the physical unification of Spain, Isabella and Ferdinand embarked on a process of spiritual unification of the citizens of the country by trying to bring them under one faith (Roman Catholicism). As part of this process, the Inquisition became institutionalized. Isabella's confessor, Francisco Cardinal Jiménez de Cisneros was named Archbishop of Toledo, Spain. He was instrumental in a program of rehabilitation of the religious institutions of Spain, laying the groundwork for the later Counter-Reformation. As Chancellor, he exerted more and more power.

Isabella and her husband, who had created an empire, were in latter years consumed with administration and politics. They were worried about succession and worked to link the Spanish crown to the other rulers they favored in Europe through the marriage of their children. Specifically, they attempted to outflank France and to unite the Iberian Peninsula. In 1497 Juan, the Crown Prince, married Margaret of Austria, establishing the connection to the Habsburgs. The eldest daughter, Isabelle, married Manuel I of Portugal, and Juana was married to another Habsburg prince, Philip.

However, Isabella's plans for her children did not work out. Juan died shortly after his marriage. Isabella died in childbirth and her son Miguel died at the age of two. Queen Isabella's titles passed to her daughter Juana of Castile (la Loca) whose marriage to Philip the Handsome was troubled. Isabella died in 1504 in Medina del Campo, before Philip and Ferdinand became enemies.

Isabella is entombed in Granada in the Capilla Real, which was built by her grandson, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor (Carlos I of Spain), alongside her husband Ferdinand, her daughter Juana and Juana's husband Philip; and Isabella's 2-year old grandson, Miguel (the son of Isabella's daughter, also named Isabella, and King Manuel of Portugal). The museum next to the Capilla Real houses her crown and scepter.

Legacy

Isabella and Ferdinand began their marriage with a prenuptial agreement in place that established equality within the terms of their partnership. On this foundation, they built a highly effective coregency. During their reign, they supported each other in accordance with their joint motto: Tanto monta, monta tanto, Isabel como Fernando ("They amount to the same, Isabella and Ferdinand").

Their achievements are remarkable. Spain was united. Under the crown, power was centralized. The reconquista was successfully concluded. A legal framework was created. The Catholic Church was reformed. Even without the benefit of the American expansion, Spain would have been a major European power. Columbus' discovery set the country on the course for the first modern world power.

However, the dark side of their reign had long-term consequences. The Inquisition and its intolerant treatment of religious minorities was harsh and cruel. A negative historic model was set that continued to impact the course of history into modern times. The wealth of the Spanish empire was gained by conquest was spent quickly, leading to a quick decline compared to the Roman Empire the preceded it or the British Empire that followed it.

In the twentieth century, the regime of Francisco Franco claimed the prestige of the Catholic Monarchs. As a result, Isabella was despised by those opposed to Franco and is often blamed as the principal instigator of the Spanish Inquisition by separatists. This sort of animosity is based on a belief in the inherent evil of the Inquisition.

Some Catholic Spaniards have attempted to have Isabella declared as blessed, with the aim of later having her canonized as a Saint. Their justification is that Isabella was a protector of the Spanish poor and of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas from the rapacity of the Spanish nobility. In addition, miracles have reportedly been attributed to her. This movement has met with opposition from Jewish organizations, Liberation theologians and Jean-Marie, Cardinal Lustiger, due to the fact that Isabella had many Moors killed after her entrance to Córdoba.

In 1974, Pope Paul VI opened her cause for beatification. This places her on the path towards possible sainthood. In the Catholic Church, she is thus titled Servant of God.

Isabella was the first named woman to appear on a United States coin, an 1893 United States commemorative quarter, celebrating the 400th anniversary of Columbus's first voyage. In the same year she was the first woman and only foreign ruler to be featured on a U.S. postal stamp, also in celebration of Columbus. She appears in the Spanish court scene replicated on the 15-cent Columbian (above) and in full portrait, side by side with Columbus, on the rare $4 Columbian, the only stamp of that denomination ever issued.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Miller, Townsend. The Castles and the Crown. Spain 1451-1555 New York: Coward-McCann, New York, 1963 ASIN: B0007EABYY
  • Carroll, Warren H. Isabel Of Spain: The Catholic Queen, Chicago, IL: Christendom Press, 2004 ISBN 0931888433
  • Meyer, Carolyn. Isabel: Jewel of Castilla, Spain, 1466 (The Royal Diaries)

NY: Scholastic, 2004 ISBN 0439078059

External links

All links retrieved March 6, 2018.

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