Culture and Civilization of Spain

Daniel Ables

Culture and Civilization of Spain (MWF 1200p)

Dr. Perez

03 September 2005

Juana la Loca

Juana la Loca had many hardships throughout her life. She battled with her mother's expectations as well as her husband's expectations. Joan was mainly concerned about maintaining her marriage rather than running a country. These conflicts led to Joan going mad.

Joan was the daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. Joan was sixteen when her catholic parents betrothed her to Phillip of Burgundy. Phillip's father was Emperor Maximilian. Joan headed with her belongs and some servants to meet her betrothed. At first, when she got there, Phillip was covering for his dad, and they did not get to meet immediately. Once they did meet, however, it was love at first sight. Joan quickly became popular in her new world. There were often jousts and banquets in her honor. The people showed love and loyalty to Joan and Phillip.

When Phillip's mother, Mary of Burgundy, died, Phillip was named Duke, which lead to a more peaceful time. Before long, Phillip grew board with his duties as Duke, and agreed without consideration to whatever his advisers said.

Once winter hit many of Joan's soldiers began to starve. So, at the age of seventeen Joan attempted to improve her soldiers living conditions. Joan, however, did not have any authority when it came to financial issues. Because she pushed so hard for better living conditions for her soldiers, she gained a bad reputation and people began to turn on her. Many people viewed her as self centered and indifferent to the suffering of her fellow countryman. Because of this new reputation, Joan tried harder to adapt to the world around her.

On February 25, 1500, Joan gave birth to her first son, Charles Count of Luxemburg. Joan was asked to go back to Toledo in order for homage to be paid to herself and Phillip. This excited Joan because she had no hopes of seeing her parents again and this will give her the opportunity to see them once again. She would be able to introduce her parents to her husband for the first time. As Joan and Phillip traveled through France, many festivals were held in their honor. Before they arrived in Toledo, Phillip came down with measles. As soon as he received word of this, Ferdinand left to visit with Phillip. Once Phillip recovered, they held a reception at Toledo on May 07. While in Toledo, Phillip was asked by Ferdinand and Isabella to stay in Spain in order to some day rule. Phillip refused this proposition, but since Joan in pregnant again, her parents insisted that she stay in Spain until the child is born.

Later, Phillip