Final answer:
The Spanish monarchy's policies, during various reigns from Ferdinand and Isabella to Ferdinand VII, were initially effective in gaining and exploiting wealth but ultimately led to resistance and loss of control over colonies. Religious zeal fueled conquests and wealth accumulation but also contributed to brutal subjugation and eventual calls for independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks for an assessment of the effectiveness of steps taken by the Spanish kings, particularly during the period of Spain's colonial rule. The response must consider various historical accounts from the era of Spanish colonization, including the feedback from colonists and policy outcomes. Within these historical contexts, several key points emerge about the efficacy of the Spanish monarchy's actions and their consequences for the empire and its colonies.
Effectiveness of Spanish Colonial Policies
During the reigns of monarchs such as Ferdinand and Isabella, Spain entered its 'golden age,' consolidating royal power and fostering growth in commerce and industry. However, over time, the resistance to Spanish colonial policies grew, especially as the colonial demands were not met, and this led to a weakening of Spain's control over its colonies. Philip II focused on the immense wealth brought in from the Americas, which was used to fund ventures such as the Spanish Armada. However, the religious zeal and the ensuing conquests also led to a brutal subjugation of the indigenous populations.
With the fall of Napoleon and the restoration of Ferdinand VII to the throne, there was an opportunity for reform and liberalization through the Cortes and a liberal constitution. Nonetheless, Ferdinand VII's refusal to recognize these liberal policies and his efforts to reinstate pre-revolutionary rule resulted in a resurgence of authoritarian monarchy, which ultimately did not succeed in preserving the Spanish empire's integrity. Instead, it spurred on the movements for independence across the Spanish colonies. Thus, the monarch's policies were effective in the short term for maintaining and exploiting colonial wealth but ultimately failed in the long term as they could not adapt to the demands for autonomy and liberal reforms.