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Legitimacy and Conflict in Sixteenth-Century Castile: Queenship and Power

Michael Simmons

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Published in Juana I: Legitimacy And Conflict In Sixteenth Century Castile (Queenship And Power)

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In the sixteenth century, the Spanish monarchy reached the height of its power and influence. This was due in no small part to the efforts of the queens who ruled Castile during this period. Juana la Loca, Isabel de Portugal, and Maria Manuela of Portugal were all strong and capable women who used their power to shape the political and cultural landscape of their kingdom.

Juana I: Legitimacy and Conflict in Sixteenth-Century Castile (Queenship and Power)

by David Herbert Donald

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Language	:	English
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However, the queenship of these women was not without its challenges. They faced opposition from both within the royal court and from the wider society. Their legitimacy was often questioned, and they were forced to fight for their right to rule. Despite these challenges, the queens of Castile were able to assert their authority and make a significant contribution to the development of the Spanish monarchy.

Sources of Legitimacy

The queens of Castile claimed legitimacy from a variety of sources. Juana la Loca was the daughter of the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. She was also the wife of Philip the Handsome, who was the heir to the Holy Roman Empire. This gave her a strong claim to the throne of Castile, as well as to the thrones of Aragon, Naples, and Sicily.

Isabel de Portugal was the wife of Emperor Charles V. She was also the sister of King John III of Portugal. This gave her a strong connection to both the Spanish and Portuguese royal families. Maria Manuela of Portugal was the wife of King Philip II. She was also the daughter of King John III of Portugal. This gave her a strong claim to the throne of Castile, as well as to the throne of Portugal.

In addition to their familial connections, the queens of Castile also claimed legitimacy from their personal qualities. They were all intelligent, capable, and pious women. They were also devoted to their husbands and families. These qualities helped them to gain the respect and support of the people of Castile.

Challenges to Legitimacy

Despite their strong claims to legitimacy, the queens of Castile faced a number of challenges to their authority. Juana la Loca was declared insane by her husband, Philip the Handsome. This led to a power struggle between her and her son, Charles V. Isabel de Portugal was unpopular with the Castilian nobility. This was due to her foreign birth and her perceived lack of interest in Castilian affairs. Maria Manuela of Portugal was also unpopular with the Castilian nobility. This was due to her close ties to the Portuguese court and her perceived lack of sympathy for the Castilian cause.

In addition to these challenges from within the royal court, the queens of Castile also faced opposition from the wider society. Many people believed that women were not fit to rule. They also believed that the queens were too closely tied to the Catholic Church. This opposition made it difficult for the queens to assert their authority and to achieve their political goals.