The Formation of National Monarchies occurred during the period of the Late Middle Ages, between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries, in the countries of Western Europe.
The main examples of national monarchies are the Portuguese, Spanish, French and English.
The process took place in a similar way in European countries, but at different times. In Portugal it began in the twelfth century, with the Burgundy (or Afonsina) Dynasty, being later consolidated by the Avis Dynasty. On the other hand, in Spain, France and England, the formation of National States began in the 15th century.
In Spain it took place from the union of the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile and its apogee happened during the reign of the Habsburgs. Both countries, Portugal and Spain, began the process of forming national states after the expulsion of the Moors (Muslims).
In France, considered the model of European absolutism, this process took place throughout the reign of the Capetingian and Valois dynasties. However, it will be the Bourbon Dynasty that will consolidate France's absolutist monarchs.
Finally, in England, through the Plantagenet and Tudor dynasties.
National monarchies can be called Absolutist State, Absolutist Monarchies or even the Modern State.
Historical context
Population growth, the emergence of the bourgeoisie and the development of trade, from the expansion of maritime routes, meant that the feudal model no longer worked as it did before.
In this way, the new economic development needed another political model. Thus, European countries began to centralize power in the hands of a king and he became one of the important figures alongside the Church and the new class that emerged:the bourgeoisie.
Bourgeoisie and the National State
Along with this, mercantilist ideals conquer bourgeois merchants, merchants and professionals. Money becomes more important than land and this gives rise to the birth of a new economic system:capitalism.
However, when this system emerged it was different from the ones we have today. That's why historians call it primitive capitalism.
At that time, trade monopoly, customs protectionism (protection of the economy by the entry of foreign products), and metallism (accumulation of precious metals) were defended.
Finally, the feudal system (administered by feudal lords) was being replaced by the capitalist system. At this moment, there is the growth of cities (burgs) and the intensification of commerce and fairs by the bourgeois class. This period became known as the Commercial and Urban Renaissance.
Faced with this, the feudal lords, who had power in the Middle Ages, begin to lose their position. For his part, the King becomes the figure responsible for administering politics, the economy, justice and the army.
All these characteristics through the power centered on a single sovereign figure, the King, became known as Monarchic Absolutism.
Read more :Bourgeoisie
National State
From this, the National States were created, also called the Modern State, with defined borders and a national army (with the end of the private armies of feudal lords). In the economic sphere, the national monarchies aimed at the unification of monetary standards and also a tax collection system.
This increase of power to the Monarch was obtained by the support of part of the nobility and, above all, of the bourgeois, the new social class that enriched with the development of the commerce.
With the emergence of the bourgeoisie, it began to fight for the autonomy of cities that were still dominated by feudal lords. This movement became known as the Communal Movement and was a compromise between several cities to form a single defense against an attack.
In short, the union of the political interests of the Kings and the economic interests of the bourgeoisie were essential for the formation of Monarchies or National States. Thus, the domain of feudal lords of the medieval period was extinguished, giving rise to the Modern Era.
To learn more :
- Absolutism
- Absolute State
- Questions about Absolutism
- Urban Renaissance