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The late medieval period in Western Europe saw the rise of centralized monarchies, which marked a shift from feudalism to state control. This transformation involved the decline of feudal and ecclesiastical power, redistribution of power during the Renaissance, and the formation of new governance systems by monarchs like Henry VII of England and Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. These changes set the stage for the modern nation-state and had a lasting impact on European political structures.
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New monarchs sought to centralize authority by reducing the influence of the nobility and clergy
Creation of Professional Standing Armies
New monarchs established professional armies to increase their control and power
Reform of the Royal Council
The Royal Council was reformed to create a more efficient and loyal administrative body
The consolidation of power by new monarchs represented a significant shift towards centralized state control
The decline of feudalism allowed new monarchs to consolidate power by weakening the traditional power of the nobility
The Black Death and growing resentment towards the Church's wealth and corruption led to a loss of faith and weakened its influence
The advent of new military technologies, such as the longbow and gunpowder, undermined the military importance of the knightly class and enabled monarchs to rely on professional armies
The emphasis on humanism and secular governance during the Renaissance influenced new monarchs in their quest for power consolidation
New monarchs strategically replaced powerful nobles with middle-class bureaucrats and lawyers who were loyal to the Crown, centralizing administrative control
Monarchs imposed direct taxation and restricted the Church's financial privileges, such as the collection of tithes, to increase their control and power
The Tudor dynasty exemplified the shift towards new monarchy in England through the curtailment of traditional nobility's political influence and the promotion of a new class of loyal gentry and professionals
The marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella led to the political unification of Spain and the establishment of centralized administrative and ecclesiastical authority
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Era of 'new monarchs' emergence
Late medieval period, 15th-16th centuries in Western Europe.
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Feudal system vs. Centralized monarchies
Centralized monarchies reduced nobility/clergy power, unlike decentralized feudal lords.
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Royal Council reforms
Monarchs restructured Royal Council for efficiency and loyalty, aiding centralization.
