Alfons VI, King of Aragon and Sicily, King of Portugal
7) Alfons VI (1518-1541)
Alfons, the 24 year old son of Ferran II had not expected to become King quite so early (even given his family history). Nevertheless he soon proved himself entirely capable for his new role.
Clever, brave, wise and just Alfons VI would have made a fine King in any era. As it was he would preside over one of most startling periods in Aragonese history.
The Two Kingdoms
The death of Prince Manuel of Portugal in December 1518 had unexpectedly made Alfons VI heir to the Portuguese throne. When the Portuguese King died on 11 January 1519 young Alfons suddenly found himself King of Portugal as well as Aragon. It was hastily arranged that Portugal should be ruled as the junior partner in a "Personal Union" - that is to say Alfon's status as "King of Portugal" was entirely separate from his role as "King of Aragon". As Alfons VI chose to keep his court in Barcelona the government of Portugal was more or less left as was in the hands of his Portuguese ministers and a Viceroy.
Though Alfons contact with his second kingdom was limited by practicality he nevertheless strove to keep the two countries close - to the extent of signing the secret Treaty of Lisbon in 1522 (but see below.)
Cuba, Bahamas and Bermuda, 1541
Colonists of the Caribbean
To the disappointment of Aragon by the time Aragonese interest had turned to the Caribbean towards the end of the second decade of the 16th century several European powers had already become involved in the area; Spain, England and Mecklenburg. Still the large, peaceful and potentially prosperous island of Cuba had not yet been settled so it became the main target of enterprising Aragonese colonists. Settlements sprang up at Guantanamo (1519), Moron (1520) and Havana (1521).
After many attempts another colony sprang up in the Bahamas (1531).
However despite its advantages Cuba did not last long as the Aragon's prime colony. Within a very short space of time Aragonese focus had largely switched to a very different location.
South Africa, 1541
Round the Cape
In 1522 Alfons V signed the Treaty of Lisbon in which both of his domains pledged not to interfere with the others colonisation. By chance that year had seen Aragonese cartographers print the very first maps of southernmost Africa - though as yet very little remand known. Nevertheless Alfons VI saw something in this far flung place and on 21 October 1523 a small settlement was founded at Little Karroo.
The colonisation of Cape Verde (4 April 1524) allowed a more substantial expedition to be sent under conquistador Pere d'Urgell, who landed in Little Karoo on 11 July 1524. He soon discovered rich potential in South Africa - though a couple of areas (notably Transkei) proved to be heavily populated by hostile natives a wide swathe of land was more inviting, being inhabited by small numbers of friendly natives. Settlements sprang up at Cape (1525), Roggeveld and Karoo (both 1526) and Little Namaqualand (1528).
South Africa had many advantages for Aragon that more than offset its distance. Firstly and most importantly it was completely untouched by other European powers, greatly lessening the possibility of colonial conflict. The land itself was rich with considerable resources - gold and ivory for instance. It also made exploration of the other side of Africa and trade with the Indies much more feasible.
Soon the importance of South Africa far eclipsed the Caribbean and colonists began to move in greater numbers. Capetown became the first true city in the Aragonese colonial empire on 1 September 1536 - and the rest of South Africa was not far behind.
Politics as usual
While all excitement lay elsewhere it would be a mistake to say nothing was happening at home. In this period Liguria (1526) and Nice (1528) came to be regarded as core parts of Aragon. In 1531 Alfons VI adopted the Landsknecht system of infantry for his armies.
Most important was the foundation of the National Bank of Aragon in 1527. Colonisation had brought substantial wealth to Aragon but also the need to guard against inflation.
Heir to Two Crowns
After over twenty years on the throne(s) Alfons VI passed away 30 August 1541. He had decisively changed the course of Aragonese history and would be much mourned - especially in the colonies which owed their existence to him.
His eldest son Joan had some very big shoes to fill. Indeed his task - though also his opportunities - were greater even than expected. The "Personal Union" did not survive Alfon's VI; Joan II had the Portuguese Empire merged with the Crown of Aragon and set to rule both kingdoms as one.
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