Isabella of Castile

Isabella of Castile (Spanish: Isabel, Ysabel or Isabela — only Isabel is used in modern Spanish; the equivalent English name is Elizabeth, but she has always been known as Isabella in English) (April 22, 1451 – November 26, 1504) was Queen of Castile and Leon. With her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon she was the co-ruler of a unified Spain. This monarch is known by a variety of other names including Isabel I of Castile and Isabel La Católica ("the Catholic").

Influence

Isabella and her husband established a highly effective coregency under equal terms. They utilized a prenuptial agreement to lay down their terms. During their reign they supported each other effectively in accordance to their joint motto of equality: Tanto monta, monta tanto, Isabel como Ferdinand ("same difference, I. like F.") Their achievements are remarkable - Spain was united, under the crown power was centralized, the reconquista was sucessfully concluded, a legal framework was created, the church reformed. Even without the benefit of the American expansion, Spain would have been a major European power. Columbus' discovery set the country on the course for the first modern world power.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The dark side of their reign also had long-term consequences. The inquisition and their intolerant treatment of religious minorities was harsh and cruel. A negative historic model was set. The brain drain hurt Spain as well.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The regime of Francisco Franco claimed the prestige of the Catholic Monarchs. As a result, Isabella was despised by opposers to Franco.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Some Catholic Spaniards are trying to get Isabella declared as blessed and later saint. This has met opposition by Jewish organizations, Liberation theologists and Jean-Marie Cardinal Lustiger. She had many Moors killed after her entrance to Cordoba, but was a protector of the Spanish poor and the Native Americans against the rapacity of the Spanish nobility. At any rate, miracles have reportedly been attributed to her. In 1974, Pope Paul VI opened her cause for beatification. This places her on the path towards possible sainthood. In the Catholic Church, she is thus titled Servant of God.

Related Topics:
Blessed - Later saint - Liberation theologists - Jean-Marie Cardinal Lustiger - Cordoba - Miracles - 1974 - Pope Paul VI - Beatification - Sainthood - Servant of God

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Isabella was the first named woman to appear on a United States coin, an 1893 commemorative quarter, celebrating the 400th anniversary of Columbus's first voyage. In the same year she was the first woman to be featured on a U.S. postal stamp, also in celebration of Columbus.

Related Topics:
Commemorative - Columbus

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Isabella has been represented in film by actresses such as Lola Flores and Sigourney Weaver.

Related Topics:
Lola Flores - Sigourney Weaver

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~