Ferdinand And Isabella In Ruling Spain

How far did Ferdinand and Isabella achieve their aims in ruling Spain after 1749?

Many believe that the aims Ferdinand and Isabella set, resulted in overall success resulting in both monarchs and their kingdoms being strengthened dramatically. However the aims when examined, we see failures within their effects (e.g the economy suffering through the mudejars leaving) and the aims themselves have to achieve a successful rule. Therefore the aims must accomplish strong successfully working alliance, winning important battles and conquests (this referencing to the conquest of Granada), to establish a ‘pre-eminent’ monarchy (a successful government) and for the main religion, Christianity, not to be challenged. It is my belief that despite failures

When looking at the weaknesses, the only valid factor is the time length and the impact this would have. Evidence of this being a problem is the fact that the Granada war lasted for 10 years, resulting in a large amount of finance being spent on it leading to harsh taxation over both Castile and Aragon and a considerable amount of loans. This was a failure, as it was a clear sign of financial burden over the two countries which could be argued to have hindered the couple at the start of their rule due to weak finances. However there is strong evidence of success as the Granada war not only was the aim successful but it provided other side benefits. Evidence of this would be, prestige can be seen through the Pope giving them the title the ‘catholic monarch’ while also, due to the Granada war, their prestige increased throughout other countries within Europe. More added benefits can be seen through the dramatic development of artillery throughout the war, resulting in the Spain being one of the most developed weaponry countries of its time. The final point can be taken from the first point, this being how the Granada war helped strengthen the feeling of unity while increasingly the successfulness of the marriage alliance; both of these being incredibly important factors for their rule. Through both countries sharing resources and Ferdinand helping Isabella with the conquest; we see

Failure can be seen within faults of factors, evidence would be despite the successes of the Hermandad as they could only deal with small disorders, with their financial contributors being seen as a burden. Partnered with this, the finance of the country was limited due to the effects of other factors, despite bringing in 30 million maravedis a year, this still wasn’t enough. This is a clear sign of failure as due to there being financial burden in other factors, this could be argued to show a weak government as these factors oppressed the full potential of it. However, we see overall this was a success due to personal preference such as Isabella visiting all of Castile and units, like the Hermanada which kept the peace. Through these clear examples of control over the people and government, we see peace and order be firmly but fairly implemented and when looking at the importance of Isabella’s visits and the impact of them, we see this overrules the importance of the failure of Hermandad. Because of this, despite the failures, we see this aim to a degree was a success; as shown by the impact of Isabella’s travel however because of the limitations of the Hermandad, we see its successfulness be limited over time (only in 1498 where they