1. Politics and the State in Western Europe
During the Renaissance

2. Emergence of States in Europe
A strong state (country) requires a strong leader.
During the Middle Ages no ruler was able to provide effective leadership.
Feudal nobles and constant warfare discourage state building.
15th century - Aggressive action to consolidate territory and form nations began.
1st - Italian city states
“New Monarchies” - France, England, Spain
Used techniques similar to Machiavelli

4. France - 1422 Beginning with Charles VII
Step 1 - Reconcile Burgundians and Armagnacs
Step 2 - Expel the English
Step 3 - Centralize wealth - Increase taxes
Step 4 - Create a permanent Royal Army
Step 5 - Use army to control noble militias
Step 6 - Reconquer separatist regions
Step 7 - Consolidate territories through marriage alliances.
Step 8 - Control the Church - Concordat of Bologna

6. England - Beginning with War of Roses
English Civil War - Houses of York and Lancaster - Known as the War of the Roses
Weakest point of the monarchy
Yorkist Edward IV - defeated Lancastrian forces.
Brother Richard III and Henry VII (Tudor) began to crush noble authority.
Avoided expensive wars - Don’t have to ask Parliament for money.
Negotiated treaties with foreign countries to legitimize Tudor Royal Authority
Henry VII’s son Arthur married Catherine of Aragon, princess of Spain.

8. Spain - Isabella and Ferdinand
Spain (and Iberian Peninsula) remained several independent kingdoms.
Castile, Aragon, Navarre, Portugal, Granada.
1469 Isabella of Castile marries Ferdinand of Aragon.
Two largest kingdoms allied. Not unified.
Couple began to exclude powerful nobles from royal council.
Secured right to appoint clergy from Pope.
Conquered Muslim Granada in South.
Conquered Navarre in North.
Reconquista - Expelling Muslims and Jews from Spain.