Conquest of Granada

Definition

The Conquest of Granada was the final military campaign of the Reconquista, resulting in the capture of the last Muslim kingdom in Spain, Granada, by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, in 1492. This event marked a significant turning point in Spanish history, establishing the foundations for a unified Spanish state and paving the way for further exploration and expansion under the New Monarchies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Conquest of Granada culminated in January 1492 when the last Muslim ruler, Boabdil, surrendered the city to Ferdinand and Isabella.
2. The successful conquest symbolized the end of centuries of conflict between Christians and Muslims in Spain, as well as the completion of the Reconquista.
3. Following the conquest, Ferdinand and Isabella implemented policies aimed at consolidating their power and promoting Christian unity, including the expulsion of Jews in 1492.
4. The fall of Granada also had profound implications for Spanish identity, fostering a sense of nationalism that would support later imperial ambitions in the Americas.
5. The Conquest of Granada is often celebrated as a moment of triumph for Spain, solidifying Ferdinand and Isabella's status as key figures in establishing the foundations for Spain's Golden Age.

Review Questions

• How did the Conquest of Granada reflect the goals of the Catholic Monarchs in unifying Spain?
  • The Conquest of Granada was a pivotal event that aligned with the Catholic Monarchs' goals of unifying Spain under Christian rule. By capturing the last Muslim stronghold, Ferdinand and Isabella not only completed the Reconquista but also reinforced their authority over a now unified kingdom. This conquest facilitated their efforts to promote religious uniformity, exemplified by subsequent policies like the expulsion of Jews and the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition.
• In what ways did the fall of Granada influence Spain's later exploration and expansion during the Age of Discovery?
  • The fall of Granada had a significant impact on Spain's future endeavors during the Age of Discovery. With the completion of the Reconquista, Ferdinand and Isabella redirected their military resources and ambitions towards overseas exploration. This newfound focus contributed to expeditions such as Christopher Columbus's journey in 1492, leading to Spain's emergence as a dominant colonial power in the Americas shortly thereafter.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Conquest of Granada on Spanish society and its implications for religious tolerance in Spain.
  • The Conquest of Granada set into motion a series of events that drastically altered Spanish society, particularly regarding religious tolerance. The immediate aftermath included intensified efforts by Ferdinand and Isabella to enforce Catholic orthodoxy through measures like the Spanish Inquisition, which persecuted non-Christians. This environment fostered a culture of suspicion and intolerance that would persist for centuries, ultimately shaping Spain's identity as a predominantly Catholic nation while stifling cultural diversity and intellectual progress.

Related terms

Reconquista:

A centuries-long series of campaigns by Christian kingdoms to reclaim territory from Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula.

Catholic Monarchs: The title given to Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, who united Spain through their marriage and sought to consolidate power and enforce religious unity.

Spanish Inquisition:

A judicial institution established by Ferdinand and Isabella to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in their realms, often through harsh methods such as persecution and forced conversions.