Spanish Literature and the Rise of the New Monarchs

Miguel de Cervantes and the Legacy of Don Quixote

  • Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616): Cervantes is a monumental figure in literature, living from 15471547 to 16161616.

  • Don Quixote: Written during Cervantes' twilight years, this classic is spelled "Don Quixote" (Q−u−i−x−o−t−eQ-u-i-x-o-t-e). It is widely regarded as the single greatest piece of Spanish literature from the last 400400 years.

  • Cultural Criticism and Themes:

    • The work is characterized by deep criticisms of Spain's inability to progress beyond the late Middle Ages.

    • Spain is often viewed as being "behind" the rest of the world. Outside of the Age of Exploration, the nation seemingly disappears from major historical narratives until its Civil War in the 20th20th century.

    • The novel serves as a mockery of a knight who is hopelessly tied to the outdated concept of chivalry. This character represents the broader Spanish refusal to progress or let go of the past.

    • The book is considered fabulous and has applications for all types of readers because of its exploration of progress versus tradition.

The Era of the New Monarchs (1460−15201460-1520)

  • Time Period: The term "New Monarchs" refers to a specific batch of rulers in the modern era, roughly from 14601460 to 15201520. This period is relatively compact, spanning only a couple of generations.

  • Historical Context:

    • These monarchs were concurrent with the later Renaissance.

    • They ushered in the Age of Exploration and saw the beginning stages of the Reformation.

    • Historical clustering should associate New Monarchs with the Renaissance and Exploration.

  • The Goal of the Nation-State:

    • The primary objective of these monarchs was to consolidate power and begin the creation of the nation-state.

    • A nation-state is defined as a group of people who share a common understanding of their history, language, and religion.

    • The primary states involved in this movement were France, England, and Spain.

  • Distinction from Absolutism: It is inaccurate to call New Monarchs "absolute monarchs." Absolute monarchs already have established control over a nation-state. In contrast, the New Monarchs were just beginning to consolidate power; their kingdoms were still divided into pieces, and they lacked direct control, particularly in France.

Characteristics and Strategies of New Monarchs

  • Reduction of Nobility Power:

    • Monarchs sought to remove feudal lords as middlemen and establish direct contact with their people.

    • Methods included changing taxation rules. In the Middle Ages, taxes were traditionally paid only by serfs and peasants. New Monarchs began changing these codes.

    • Monarchs engaged in the creative confiscation of lands from the nobility.

  • Military Innovations:

    • The creation of national, standing, or mercenary armies was a hallmark of this era.

    • The introduction of gunpowder during the Hundred Years' War made this shift possible. Gunpowder was extremely costly, meaning only the king—not the local lords—could afford it, giving the monarchy a significant military advantage.

  • Clerical and Bureaucratic Reform:

    • Monarchs aimed to reduce the political power of the clergy within their specific states, with varying levels of success.

    • They established more efficient bureaucracies to create a direct line of power to the monarch.

  • The Shift in the Middle Class:

    • There was a concerted effort to increase the political influence of the middle class, also known as the bourgeoisie.

    • Wealthy residents of towns or cities were sometimes referred to as "Burghers" or "Burgers."

Questions & Discussion

  • Question on Bureaucratic Systems: What was the bureaucratic system like before the New Monarchs created their more efficient versions?

    • Response: Previously, the system was characterized by seven or eight tiers. Tax collection went through several hands, with each person keeping a portion. For example, if a King needed $10\$10, a lord might tell his subordinates they needed to collect $12\$12, and a sheriff might tell the peasants they needed to pay $15\$15. By the time the money traveled back up the chain, the "bag" was much emptier than what was actually collected. New Monarchs sought to replace this with a tax collector who came directly from the town to the monarch, bypassing the middlemen like the sheriffs in the stories of Robin Hood.