Renaissance Europe: New Monarchies

Renaissance Europe saw the development of the so-called new monarchies. What were the guiding principles and basic tactics of the rulers of England, France, and Spain in their efforts to centralize their states? To what extent did these rulers rely on new policies and practices? How successful were the new monarchs? In the years prior to the New Monarchy, Europe had been devastated by the Black Plague. The ruling powers needed to gain the loyalty of the people, rebuild the economy, and unite their kingdoms. They need to employ new strategies to do this. The Monarchy needed to shift control and power from the aristocracy and the church, and turn the loyalty and support of people to the monarchy. This was done through reduced violence, separation of church and state and giving less political power to the aristocracy while shifting some of that power to the growing middle class. (John P. McKay 2015, 437) …show more content…
In France this task was done by Charles VII (1422-1461). His efforts to centralize the institutions of the State included; establishing the first permanent royal army in Europe, restructuring the royal council by replacing the aristocracy with loyal middle-class citizens in positions of influence. Charles VII also developed new product and land taxes that remained the primary source of income for the Crown until the French Revolution in 1789. Marriage was one of the Monarchies best tactics regardless of what country, often leading to acquisitions and allies. The next generation Louis XII married Anne of Brittany and added the duchy of Brittany. His successor Francis I appointed power of the appointment and policies of the church to the Crown in 1516. (John P. McKay 2015,