Centralization of Power and the New Monarchs

1. Centralization of Power and the New Monarchs European Politics in the 15th and 16th Centuries

2. Growth of Central Governments • Rise of “New Monarchs in France, Spain and England leads to centralization of political power. • Economic and Social changes reflected in the growing power of governments. • Rulers encouraged trade, overseas expansion, to obtain taxes and revenues to further increase their power.

3. Valois France • France is devastated by the effects of the Hundred Years War • Louis XI (r. 1461-1483) consolidates power. • Makes war and kills the Duke of Burgundy, making the province under French control • Used diplomacy to gain further lands (earns him the nickname “the Spider”) • Charles VIII becomes involved the Italian Wars.

4. Valois France – Gov’t Power • System of Taxation put into place • Francis I gains control over the church; right to appoint bishops. • Legalization of the sale of offices (provided revenue) • Streamlined government procedures and efficiency.

5. United Spain • The marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Sicily and Isabella of Castile united the Kingdom of Spain the 1479 after 10 years of civil war with nobles who opposed it. • Worked to reduce the power of nobles in the court, favored the lesser nobility (hidalgo) • Gained control over military orders

6. United Spain • Monarchy gained right to make appointments of bishops. • Direct supervision over the judicial system • Direct collection of taxes and other revenues • Religious zeal and the desire to drive the remaining Muslims from Spain. • Establishment and control of the Inquisition.

7. United Spain – Charles V • Charles V (grandson of F & I) held the throne of Spain (and he overseas territories) and the throne of the HRE. • Reoccurring crises kept Charles involved in the politics of the HRE and away from Spain. • He faced financial difficulties – only saved by New World treasure. • Little changed in Spanish administration, but the New World empire continued to expand.

8. Tudor England • Monarch’s power was balanced by Parliament and Common Law; allowed for uniformity across the land • Henry VII (1485-1509) reestablishes royal control after the Wars of the Roses • Financial independence for the monarchy • Increase the power of Justices of the Peace. • Increase power and influence of royal council (the Star Chamber).

9. Tudor England • Henry VIII • Used Reformation Parliament to increase power of the king (while Parliament’s prestige increased as well.) • Royal power increased through the leadership of Thomas Cromwell and the Privy Council • Royal income rose with the appropriation of church fees and possession; selling of church lands to new landowners.

10. Tudor England • Edward VI • Being a minor, the nobility attempted to take back more power. • Mary I • In attempt to reestablish Catholicism, provoked revolts. • Elizabeth I • Despite the political mistakes of her predecessors, Elizabeth made use of royal power established by her father and grandfather

11. Fragmented States • Holy Roman Empire – elected nature of emperor, strong princes, multi-ethnic. • Italy – political fragmentation; papacy • Hungary – nobles reassert control; multiethnic empire. • Poland – elected and weak king, strong Diet dominated by nobles. • Ottoman Empire – multiethnic and multi-religious empire.