Spain Revision Flashcards: Government and Foreign Policy under Ferdinand and Isabella

A comprehensive vocabulary review of Spanish political institutions, administrative reforms, and foreign military campaigns under Isabella and Ferdinand from 1480 to 1516.

Royal Council (Before 1480)

A 70-member noble council plagued by factional rivalries, irregular meetings, and appointments based on birth rather than skill.

Royal Council (After 1480)

A reformed 12-member council of loyal lawyers and clergy who met daily and were appointed based on ability rather than birth.

Audiencia

The highest regional court, responsible for hearing major legal cases, enforcing royal laws, and supervising local officials.

Cortes

A representative assembly that approved new taxes, passed grievances to the monarchs, and consented to laws.

Treaty of Étaples (1492)

A peace pact between Spain and France that unintentionally left France free to invade Italy.

Italian Invasion of 1494

A military campaign by Charles VIII of France to take Naples, which Ferdinand opposed as a violation of his Aragonese inheritance.

League of Venice (1495)

A coalition of Spain, Venice, the Pope, and Maximilian I created to drive French forces out of Italy.

Conquest of Naples (1504)

Spain's military victory securing southern Italy, establishing Ferdinand's leadership and Spain as a major European power.

Treaty of Blois (1508)

A temporary alliance between Spain and France against Venice that created tension because France remained Spain's chief rival.

Holy League (1511)

A papal alliance uniting Spain, England, Venice, and the Holy Roman Empire to defeat France.

Conquest of Navarre (1513)

Ferdinand's seizure of northern territory while France was distracted, justified as a religious crusade to secure Spain's border.

Ferdinand's Legacy (1516)

Uniting Spain, conquering Granada and Navarre, consolidating royal authority, and passing a major European power to Charles I.