Question by Forgot tell me: The most important part of the following question is do their actions warrant the label answer that first!?
European monarchs of the late fifteenth century and early sixteenth centuries are often referred to as the “new monarchs” what was “new” about the monarchs? Do their actions warrant that label?
Best answer:
Answer by Joseph
Introduction
As the Middle Ages progressed in Europe, feudalism created layers of conflicting laws, customs and traditions. Numerous feudal courts were established under dukes and earls whose interests were often contrary to those of the monarch, threatening royal authority. In an effort to rectify this situation, the monarchs of England, France, Spain, and Portugal took steps to re-establish their authority over the aristocracy and the clergy. They did this by centralising governmental offices and placing officials throughout the kingdom to represent royal interests. As they moved to secure autonomy within their own kingdoms, they also sought to solidify national boundaries. Those monarchies that experienced a move towards greater control by the king through a centralised government are known as the ‘New Monarchies’. Despite the similarity of outcome, England, France, Spain, and Portugal each followed slightly different routes and the trend towards centralisation suffered a temporary setback between the early fourteenth and mid-fifteenth century. Wars, internal dissension, riots, famine, and plague disrupted governmental processes and it was not until the end of the fifteenth century that the royal houses of England, France, Spain, and Portugal were able to re-establish control.
http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/endmiddle/monarchies.html
The New Monarchs were the 15th century European rulers who unified their respective nations, creating stable and centralized governments. This centralization allowed for an era of worldwide colonization and conquest in the 16th century, and paved the way for rapid economic growth in Europe.
The best examples of New Monarchs are, chronologically:
John I of Portugal — terminated the Portuguese political anarchy and founded the Portuguese period of discoveries
Charles VII of France — ended civil disputes
Louis XI of France — united France, reorganized the French economy, and weakened the power of the French nobility
Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon — brought their nations together under a single political dynasty, weakened the power of the Spanish nobility, and completed the Reconquista
Henry VII of England — ended the War of the Roses, brought England from bankruptcy to prosperity, built up the Royal Navy, and unified England politically by eliminating potential competitors to the throne, pacifying Yorkist resistance by marrying Elizabeth of York, and checking the power of the nobility.
Achievements:
Limiting the power of the feudal aristocracy
Creating efficient, centralized systems of taxation
Maintaining a standing army loyal to the monarch
Encouraging some sense of national identity (but by no means nationalism yet)
Fostering trade, both internally and externally
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Monarchs
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