Restoration of royal authority; royal government; unity and confederation; relations with European powers
Ferdinand and Isabella rebuilt royal power across their kingdoms after decades of noble disorder. They created shared institutions of government, but Spain remained a union of separate kingdoms rather than one unified state.
Real World
Ferdinand and Isabella's revival of the hermandades resembles modern community policing schemes — local enforcement networks that governments use to project authority into areas where central control is weak, bypassing entrenched local power-brokers.
Exam Focus
For 'assess' questions, compare the permanence of royal authority gains against continuing noble privileges to demonstrate balanced judgement.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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