Isabella I of Castile
Isabella I of Castile, also known as Isabella the Catholic, was a pivotal figure in Spanish history. Born on April 22, 1451, in Madrid, she was the daughter of John II of Castile and his second wife, Isabel of Portugal. Here are some key aspects of her life and reign:
Early Life and Marriage
- Isabella's early life was marked by political turmoil and family disputes over the succession to the Castilian throne. After her father's death, her half-brother, Henry IV, became king, and her claim to the throne was initially ignored.
- In 1469, despite opposition from Henry IV, she married Ferdinand II of Aragon, uniting the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon in a personal union. This marriage was crucial for the unification of Spain.
Reign
- Upon Henry IV's death in 1474, Isabella proclaimed herself queen of Castile, initiating a civil war known as the War of the Castilian Succession, which she ultimately won in 1479, securing her position.
- Her reign with Ferdinand marked the beginning of the modern state of Spain. They centralized royal authority, reformed the administration, and promoted economic development.
Reconquista
- Isabella and Ferdinand continued the Reconquista, the centuries-long effort to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Al-Andalus. The final conquest was the fall of Granada in 1492, ending Muslim rule in Spain.
Religious Policies
- Isabella was deeply religious and committed to the Catholic faith. She established the Spanish Inquisition in 1478 to ensure religious orthodoxy, which had profound and often tragic effects on Spain's religious minorities.
- Her religious zeal also led to the Edict of Expulsion in 1492, ordering the expulsion of Jews from Spain who did not convert to Christianity.
Support for Exploration
- Isabella's sponsorship of Christopher Columbus's voyages to the New World in 1492 opened the era of European exploration and colonization. Her financial backing was instrumental in the discovery of the Americas.
Legacy
- Isabella's policies and actions had a lasting impact on Spain, fostering national identity, promoting exploration, and consolidating royal power. However, her religious policies also led to significant cultural and demographic changes in Spain.
- She was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church in 1974 as a "Servant of God" and later beatified in 2018.
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