Using the memory of the military services provided in the past to justify new recruitment campaigns in Castilian cities. The "Royal Day" in 1635.

Abstract

Amid the financial and fiscal crisis, France declared open war in 1635 on Spain. Given this military emergency, Castilian cities, nobles and prelates were directed to recruit men to escort the King in the event of a military campaign. In those days, the tax burden on Castilian cities was substantial, so King Philip IV had to make more of an effort to justify further demands. To that end, he ordered an inquiry into the war-related appeals and mobilizations previously instructed in those territories, which he would use as an instrument of legitimation. That inquiry yields useful information about the number of men and the resources provided by Castilian subjects in various campaigns, between the late 15th century and 1615, as well as the arguments and grounds brought by the Crown on every occasion.