Isabella I of Castile
Queen of Castile and León; architect of the unified Spanish Empire.
Chronology: 1451-04-22 – 1504-11-26
Origins & Early Life
Isabella I (Spanish: Isabel I; 22 April 1451 – 26 November 1504), also known as Isabella the Catholic (Spanish: Isabel la Católica), was Queen of Castile and León from 1474 until her death in 1504. She was also Queen of Aragon from 1479 until her death as the wife of King Ferdinand II. Reigning together over a dynastically unified Spain, Isabella and Ferdinand are known as the Catholic Monarchs. Her reign marked the end of the Reconquista and also the start of the Spanish Empire, allowing Spain to become a major force in European politics.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
Isabella's marriage to Ferdinand of Aragon in 1469 created the basis of the de facto unification of Spain. With Ferdinand's help, she won the War of the Castilian Succession, securing her position as Queen of Castile. Isabella reorganized the governmental system, brought the crime rate down, and unburdened the kingdom of the debt which her half-brother King Henry IV had left behind. Her reforms and those she made with her husband had an influence that extended well beyond the borders of their united kingdoms. Isabella and Ferdinand are known for being the first monarchs to be referred to as the queen and king of Spain, respectively.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Their actions...
Source: Wikipedia