Ferdinand and Isabella
Spain's Middle Ages were marked by dramatic cultural contrasts, rapidly changes boundaries, and constant interaction, both good and bad, among the Christian, Muslims, and Jewish societies that shared the Iberian peninsula throughout the time frame until nearly the start of the 16th century. Until the late 1200s, religious tolerance and multiculturalism was a hallmark of Spanish royal society. Isabel (Isabella) was born at Madrigal on April 22, 1451, the daughter of John II of Castile and his second wife, Isabella of Portugal. Almost against her own volition she was drawn into the political intrigue of Castilian politics. Because of her family's importance, she was brought to court at the age of thirteen to be under the eye, and the protection, of her half-brother the king. As the heiress of Castile, the question of Isabel's future marriage became a matter of frenzied diplomatic activity both in Spain and throughout the other royal courts of Europe. France, Portugal, and Aragon each put forward a potential suitor. Ultimately, between her advisors and her own strong will, the decision came down to Ferdinand of Aragon. She married Ferdinand in October of 1469. Ferdinand was born in Sos on March 10, 1452, the son of John II of Ara
After nearly a year of mourning Ferdinand married Germaine de Fox, niece of the King of France, on October 19, 1505. This marriage was another political arrangement, albeit without the mutual support, admiration, and love that he had developed with Isabel. He always demonstrated the highest personal regard for Germaine, but while they were in Italy from 1506 to 1507, he In addition to participating in the world of intrigue at court, Ferdinand also saw battle in the Catalonian wars. When he began to sow his first "wild oats," he went courting and was very favorably received in the home of King Alfonso of Aragon, Isabel's half-brother. realized how essential it was for him to remain in his peninsular homeland. Once he returned to Castile, he was once again able to manage the country while working to expand its dominion and power. One of the most controversial acts of his reign occurred in 1512 when he and his forces children, Isabel died. Ferdinand declared her to have been "the best and most excellent wife a king ever had." After her death on November 26, 1504, the nobility of the land discovered what good sense and statesmanship were the core being of Isabel. Since she left no diaries, journals, or memoirs, her will proved to be the greatest indicator of her true nature. In it, she stated her concerns and regrets over what she and Ferdinand had been unable to accomplish for Spain. In her
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1586
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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