How significant were political influences in 1479 to 1579 on the rise of Spain?

The rise of Spain in the 16th century to the position of the predominant power in Europe is in many ways an amazing phenomenon. It was a poor, barren country only about half its soil was fertile and it was not even unified at the start of the period, but consisted of separate kingdoms with their own distinctive histories and traditions. Yet it acquired a vast overseas empire and exerted its influence throughout Europe. Several factors contributed to the rise of Spain such as the monarchy hence political influences can be argued as a significant factor on the rise of Spain, for example the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella united the two kingdoms Aragon and Castile which helped to bring about a stronger Spain. The battle of Granada was a huge turning point as it established Ferdinand and Isabella as catholic monarchs throughout Europe therefore highlighting military as contributing factor to the rise of Spain and signifying the role of religion on the rise of Spain. Political influences did have a big impact on the rise of Spain to a great extent however religion and military also had a contribution on the rise of Spain. Politics were the foundations to the rise of Spain however some historians may argue that due to strong monarchy such as Ferdinand and Isabella, they were solely responsible for the rise. Ferdinand as king was to prove skilful and pragmatic in his handling of political matters being described by one contemporary writer as never preaching anything except peace and good faith; and he is an enemy of both one and the other, and if he had ever honoured either of them he would have lost either his standing or his state many times over. This suggests that strong leadership was important in the rise to Spain and therefore implies political influences were key. Furthermore the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella brought an end to possible conflict between the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile signifying that a united Spain represented the beginning of the rise and hence the role of political influences. The battle of Granada can both be argued as a political influence in the rise of Spain as the monarchy were behind the decision for the battle however it can also be seen that the strength of the military were the real reason why there was a rise of Spain as the battle of Granada not only gave them their prestige but made their presence very well known throughout the whole of Europe thus showing the monarchy as a powerful force. The conquest of Granada was welcomed throughout Christendom. Other rulers in Europe sent their congratulations and the pope gave Ferdinand and Isabella the title of catholic monarchs hence showing that religion helped the rise of Spain by presenting a new image of Spain. Political influences can also be seen to oppose the rise of Spain. This is shown with King Charles I who is described by a contemporary writer as among spaniels no foreigner is accounted of importance. They boast what they know themselves, and that is enough. This portrays that that Spanish people were not satisfied with a foreign leader and that there was a lack of leadership in Charless reign and hence the monarchy cannot be seen to have an impact on the rise. Furthermore Charles having been elected holy roman emperor meant that he could not dedicate time to the kingdoms Aragon and Castile. Philip who became King after Charles I was described by those close to him as bad king as they have said His majesty makes mistakes and will continue to make mistakes in many matters because he discusses them with different people, sometimes with one, at other times with another, concealing something from one minister and revealing it to another therefore suggesting there was weak leadership and lack of communication between the king and his advisors and that due to this, Philip I was unable to deal effectively with every matter that came to him.

Overall this suggests that the monarchy that followed Ferdinand and Isabella in this century did not have a significant influence on the rise of Spain. It can be argued that the face of the monarchy were the military and hence political influences were significant in the rise however the strength of the army alone can be seen as the real reason for the rise as the artillery of the arms of the two kingdoms were a big threat in Europe. The use of artillery by the Christian forces on Granada was crucial, as it enabled them to deal with sieges in days rather than weeks. One Muslim contemporary had no doubt about its importance as he remarked that the Christians disposed of cannons with which he launched fire bombs...these projectiles were one of the causes for the abandonment of the places on which they fell. This shows the strength of the military as the victory of Granada had increased the monarchs prestige among the other countries of Europe. Religion has always had an impact in history and hence the case of the rise of Spain is no different. The conquest of Granada gave Ferdinand and Isabella an excuse for a military campaign against Granada as it was an opportunity to get the whole of the Iberian Peninsula under Christian rule. Furthermore the conquest was welcomed throughout Christendom. Other rulers in Europe sent their congratulations and the pope gave Ferdinand and Isabella the title of catholic monarchs. This suggests that religion was the cause behind the rise of Spain as it was this motivation for the battle of Granada against the Muslims. Although political influences and strong leadership were required for the rise of Spain, if it were not for the role of religion as motivation and a strong military to show great strength and power of the monarchy, the rise may have never occurred. All factors contributed to the same extent as all were required to create and present a new image of Spain. Without doubt strong leadership was key but without religion and strong arms, Spain may not have become a predominant power in Europe in the 16th century.