The New Monarchs

The Hundred Years' War (1337-1453)

Jan 1, 1337

The Hundred Year's War was a war between England and France. England lost all of their territories in France( except the port of Calais) in the end of the war. As a result of the war, the authority of the monarchy in France and England was weakened.

The Wars of the Roses (1455-1471)

Jan 1, 1455

The Wars of the Roses was a civil war fought between the houses of York and Lancaster in England. Henry VI was in power. Then, Edward IV seized the throne from Henry VI. Edward restored some order to England. When Edward died, his son, Richard III rose to power. Then, Henry Tudor (Henry VII) challenged Richard and won the throne at the Battle of Bosworth Field.The war hurt trade, agriculture, domestic industry, and the stability and power of the English monarchy. *Lancastrian victory

Marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella

Oct 18, 1469

Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Argon's marriage did not bring about administrative unity in Spain, but instead their marriage constituted a dynastic union of two royal houses(not the political union of two peoples). Even though Ferdinand and Isabella pursued the same foreign policy, Spain exsisted as a loose confederation until about 1700.

Ferdinand and Isabella become rulers of Spain

Oct 18, 1469

Ferdidnand of Aragon was in line for the Spanish throne, and he married Isabella of Castile.Their marriage created a basis for the union of their kingdoms. Ferdidnand and Isabella reduced the power of the nobility, and only appointed the middle class to the royal council. They secured the right to appoint bishops in a diplomatic alliance with pope Alexander VI (They had power to establish,in effect, a national church). Established Spain's first organized army.

Ferdinand and Isabella establish the Inquisition

Jan 1, 1478

Spanish Inquisition Ferdinand and Isabella used the church as an instrument of royal power. The Inquisition became an important instrument or royal authority that was used as a weapon against rebellious nobles and churchmen. The Inquistion used torture in its investigations and confiscated property of the victims. Torquemada(a Dominican priest and Queen Isabella's confessor) served as the inquisitor general.

Henry VII(Tudor) becomes King of England

Aug 22, 1485

Rises to power as a victor in the Battle of Bosworth Field. He was the first Tudor monarch of England. He consilidated his position as King by marrying a Yorkist princess, Elizabeth (daughter of Edward IV), and securing Parliament's endorsement. He met with Parliament regurarly in the early years of his reign to confirm laws, but he distrusted the nobility. The center of royal authority was in his established royal council, which he selected from the middle class.

Ferdinand and Isabella expel Jews from Spain

Jan 1, 1492

Ferdinand and Isabella believed that religious unity was necessary for political unity (common belief of the time). In 1492, the government stated that the Jews must either adopt Christianity or leave Spain. As many as 200,000 Jews left Spain. The Spanish Jews who converted were known as Marranos. However, the Inquistition accused Marranos of practicing the Jewish religion in secret, and, many of them were persecuted or expelled.

Charles V and Francis I fight (Italian Wars) (1494-1559)

Dec 16, 1494

Italian Wars Charles V fought with the Valois king, Francis I, over conflicting claims in Italy. Charles V(Spain) failed to win a decisive victory over Francis I (France). However, he warned off the French threat to Naples by acquiring the Duchy of Milan. Charles and Francis also fought over the Burgundian lands.

Henry VII dies

Apr 21, 1509

Henry VII Henry ruled England from 1485 until his death in 1509. He rebuilt the monarchy and centralized power in England. He secured peace with Scotland by marrying his daughter, Margaret, to the Scottish king. He left England at peace.

Francis I becomes king of France

Jan 1, 1515

Francis I succeeded his cousin and father-in-law. Francis I increased his royal authority by failing to summon the Estates General (google definition-the legislative body in France until 1789, representing the three estates of the realm (i.e., the clergy, the nobility, and the commons)) into session.

Concordat of Bologna

Jan 1, 1516

The Concordat of Bologna was an agreement between Francis I and Pope Leo X. The concordat allowed the king to nominate bishops and other high officials of the Catholic Church in France. The Concordat of Bologna gave the monarch administrative control over the church.

Ferdinand dies

Jan 23, 1516

Catholic Monarchs Isabella dies in 1504. Ferdinand and Isabella increased royal power at the expense of the nobility and the towns. Ferdinand and Isabella established Spain's first organized army which became one of Europe's best. Also, Christopher Columbus discovered the New World during their reign.

Charles V becomes the Holy Roman Emperor

Jan 1, 1519

Charles inherited the Hapsburg domains in Central Europe from his grandfather, Maximilian I. Charles expanded by aquiring part of Hungary, Bohemia and Moravia, and Silesia. He inherited the Burgundian holdings from his grandmother, Mary. He claimed the Dutchy of Burgundy and Picardy. He had already inherited Spain and the Spainish Empire from his grandparents Ferdinand and Isabella (He became King of Spain in 1516). NOTICE: His territory was everywhere, so it was hard for him to centralize!

Francis I dies

Mar 31, 1547

Francis I Francis I centralized the royal administration and finances. He strengthened the France's army. He gained control over the church through the Concordat of Bologna. However, he squandered a lot of his resources in unsuccessful foreign wars. He waged an unsuccessful war with the Hapsburgs and faced powerful Charles V(Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain).

Charles V divides his domains between Austrian and Spanish Hapsburgs

Jan 1, 1556

Charles began the process of abdication (dividing his lands between Austrian and Spanish Hapsburgs). His son, Phillip II became King of Spain, and Charles' younger brother, Ferdinand I, became the Holy Roman Emperor.

Charles V reign ends

Jan 1, 1556

Charles VCharles does not die until September 21, 1558. However, he ends his reign by abdication (he divides his territories between Phillip II of Spain and Ferdinand I, the Holy Roman Emperor). Charles V took over many lands (such as the Dutchy of Milan). He was an extraordinarily powerful ruler. However, Charles V was not technically considered a "new monarch" because he could not centralize his power as he controlled territories all over.