A-level History₇₀₄₂

This option allows students to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence in this period through the following key questions:

• What were the political issues and how well did rulers handle them?
• Where did opposition come from and how was it dealt with?
• How and to what extent did the economy and society develop and change?
• How important were religious and other new ideas in Spain's development?
• To what extent did Spain become a ‘Great Power’?
• How important was the role of key individuals and groups and how were they affected by developments?

Part one: the establishment of a 'New Monarchy', 1469–1556

The forging of a new state, 1469–1516

• The political, economic, social and religious condition of the Iberian Peninsula in 1469
• The restoration of royal authority; royal government; unity and confederation; relations with other European powers
• Social issues and policies: the nobility, the peasantry, urban communities and the Church
• Muslims/Moriscos; the Reconquista; Jews/conversos and anti-Semitism
• Economic stagnation and change: trade and exploration in Europe and North Africa; discovery and first settlements in the New World
• The degree of political unity and social and economic change by 1516

The drive to 'Great Power' status, 1516–1556

• Charles' inheritance; opposition and consolidation; revolts of the Communeros and Germania
• The workings of Empire: ideas and image; conciliar government; individuals and domestic policy
• Foreign relations within Europe; campaigns against the Turks
• Religious policies and the Church in Spain
• The expansion of Empire: the conquistadores; economic and social impact of the New World on Spain
• The political, economic, social and religious condition of Spain in 1556

Part two: Philip II's Spain, 1556–1598 (A-level only)

The 'Golden Age', 1556–1598 (A-level only)

• Philip II as ruler: character; inheritance; change and continuity in government; administration and policy
• Opposition of individuals and groups: faction and curbing internal rebellions
• Religion and society; the Jesuits, Inquisition and relations with the Papacy
• Economic developments; royal finances, policies and impact of overseas empire
• Social and cultural developments of the ‘Golden Age’; impact of new ideas and intellectual movements
• The condition of Spain in 1598: political, economic and social strengths and weaknesses

Spain: The 'Great Power', 1556–1598 (A-level only)

• Philip’s inheritance and ambitions; ideas and pressures; the Spanish army and navy
• The eclipsing of French power: Italy; war and interference in France
• Control of the Mediterranean: challenging the Turks; the conquest of and relationship with Portugal
• Revolt in the Netherlands; relations with England: conflict in Europe and the Caribbean
• Spain in the New World: expansion, settlement and trade; the impact of empire
• Spain’s international position by 1598: the extent of Spain's power; illusion or reality