Spain 1469–1556

This topic covers the consolidation of royal authority in Spain under Ferdinand and Isabella (the Catholic Monarchs) from 1469 to 1516, and the reign of their grandson Charles I (Holy Roman Emperor Charles V) from 1516 to 1556. It explores how Spain transformed from a collection of fragmented kingdoms into a unified, powerful state with a global empire. Key themes include the unification of Castile and Aragon, the conquest of Granada (1492), the expulsion of Jews and Muslims, the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition, and the expansion into the Americas. This period is crucial for understanding Spain's 'Golden Age' and its role in European politics, religion, and overseas exploration.

For A-Level students, this topic is significant because it demonstrates how domestic policies, religious uniformity, and dynastic marriages shaped early modern state-building. Ferdinand and Isabella's centralisation of power, through institutions like the Hermandad (police force) and the Council of the Inquisition, laid the foundations for absolutism. Under Charles V, Spain became the centre of a vast Habsburg empire, facing challenges such as the Reformation, Ottoman expansion, and revolts like the Comuneros (1520-21). The period ends with Charles's abdication in 1556, dividing his empire between his son Philip II and his brother Ferdinand I, marking a shift in European power dynamics.

This topic fits into the wider OCR A-Level History course by providing a case study of state-building and empire in early modern Europe. It connects to themes of monarchy, religion, and exploration, and prepares students for comparative studies with other powers like France or England. Understanding Spain's development under the Catholic Monarchs and Charles V is essential for grasping the origins of the Spanish Empire, the Counter-Reformation, and the Habsburg-Valois rivalry that dominated sixteenth-century Europe.