Joanna of Castile part 6: Plague and Public Image Problems

Joanna of Castile faced significant challenges in securing her rule after the death of her husband, Philip, Duke of Burgundy. Despite her efforts to assert authority and cancel detrimental grants, she was thwarted by a Regency council and her father, King Ferdinand. Joanna's journey to Granada with Philip's coffin was a political move to solidify her son's legacy. However, rumors of her madness, fueled by tales of her interactions with the coffin, were spread by Ferdinand's supporters, undermining her position. These stories, though likely exaggerated, contributed to her epithet 'Joanna the Mad.'

What was one of the main challenges Joanna faced after her husband's death?

• A strong military backing

• A successful harvest

• A depleted treasury and lack of allies

• Support from her father, King Ferdinand

How did Joanna attempt to assert her authority in December 1506?

• By fleeing to another country

• By marrying a powerful ally

• By canceling grants and offices given by Philip

• By declaring war on her father

What was the political significance of moving Philip's coffin to Granada?

• To avoid a plague in Castile

• To strengthen her son's claim as heir

• To fulfill a religious prophecy

• To honor a personal wish of Philip

What rumors spread about Joanna during her journey to Granada?

• That she planned to remarry

• That she was plotting against her father

• That she was planning to abdicate

• That she was obsessed with her husband's corpse

Who benefited from the rumors about Joanna's mental state?

• Her son, Charles

• The Archbishop of Toledo

• The Grandees of Andalusia

• King Ferdinand