How Isabella gained support in the War of Succession

Question 1

Isa was supported by a number of grandees, list the four ways she worked hard to win them over

Answer 1

1. Offered amnesty
2. Gave new grants of lands
3. Gave grants of new titles and royal offices
4. Reaffirmed their rights to collect financial grants given by the crown (since 1464)

Question 2

How did Isa gain the support of nobles, towns, and cities?

Answer 2

She confirmed the privileges of nobles, confirmed the privileges of cities and towns, and was prepared to use force when needed (eg. Cordoba)

Question 3

Why was Ferd’s support invaluable?

Answer 3

• was a successful leader of the forces
• travelled the country to gain support
• fortified key strategic points
• had an important victory at the Battle of Toro

Question 4

Why was Alfonso of Portugal’s support less valuable?

Answer 4

• failed to show leadership and military strategy

- lost at the Battle of Toro

Question 5

What did the propaganda campaign do?

Answer 5

• repeated the accusations that Joanna was illegitimate (it was thought that Beltram de la Cueva was her true father and Henry was impotent, this appeared supported by the fact that Beltram was promoted at court)
• claimed the throne of Portugal
• criticised the alliance with the French
• attacked the motives of Alfonso V and the Castilian nobles on Joanna’s side (claimed that they only promoted Joanna to maintain their power and political influence)
• exposed the fact that there was potential for Portuguese influence over Spain if Alfonso and Joanna were to rule

Question 6

What did the alliance with the Moors of Granada agree?

Answer 6

That they would protect the southern areas of Castile

Question 7

Give an example of one of the large numbers of Castilian cities and towns that backed her

Answer 7

• Toledo

Question 8

How did Isabella ensure that her subjects had a positive image of her character and achievements?

Answer 8

• worked closely with the historians of her reign eg. Pulgar