What was the role of the Catholic Monarchs in the Granada War?

The Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, were the primary instigators and leaders of the Granada War.

The Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, played a pivotal role in the Granada War, which took place from 1482 to 1492. Their primary objective was to conquer the Emirate of Granada, the last Muslim stronghold in the Iberian Peninsula, and incorporate it into their united kingdoms of Castile and Aragon. This was part of their broader agenda of religious and political unification, which also included the expulsion of Jews and the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition.

Ferdinand and Isabella personally led the military campaigns against Granada, demonstrating their commitment to the cause. They employed a strategy of attrition, gradually capturing outlying towns and cutting off Granada's access to resources and reinforcements. This strategy was effective, but the war was prolonged due to the rugged terrain and the fierce resistance of the Granadan forces.

The Catholic Monarchs also sought and received support from other Christian kingdoms and the Papacy. Pope Sixtus IV granted them a crusade bull, which allowed them to raise funds and recruit soldiers for the war. This international support was crucial in sustaining their war effort.

In addition to their military leadership, Ferdinand and Isabella played a key role in the diplomatic negotiations that ended the war. In 1491, they signed the Treaty of Granada with the last Nasrid ruler, Muhammad XII, also known as Boabdil. The treaty stipulated that Granada would surrender to the Catholic Monarchs, but the Muslims would be allowed to continue practicing their religion and customs. However, this promise was not kept, and the subsequent forced conversions and expulsions of Muslims sparked rebellions and further conflicts.

In conclusion, the Catholic Monarchs were the driving force behind the Granada War. Their leadership, strategy, and diplomacy led to the conquest of Granada, marking the end of Muslim rule in Spain and the beginning of a unified Spanish state under Catholic rule.