Reconquista

Definition

The Reconquista refers to the historical period from the 8th to the late 15th century in which Christian kingdoms sought to recapture territory in the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule. This lengthy conflict was marked by a series of military campaigns and was pivotal in shaping the cultural, political, and religious landscape of Spain. The Reconquista culminated in 1492 with the fall of Granada, which symbolized the end of Muslim dominance in the region and set the stage for Spanish exploration and colonization in the New World.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Reconquista lasted nearly 800 years, beginning with the Battle of Covadonga in 722 and concluding with the capture of Granada in 1492.
2. The conflict involved several key battles and notable figures, including El Cid, a legendary knight who became a symbol of the Christian struggle against Muslims.
3. The completion of the Reconquista coincided with significant events such as Christopher Columbus's voyage to the Americas, reflecting Spain's readiness to expand its influence beyond Europe.
4. The Reconquista fostered a sense of national identity among the Spanish kingdoms, leading to increased unity and centralized power under the Catholic Monarchs.
5. The conclusion of the Reconquista resulted in religious intolerance, culminating in the Spanish Inquisition, which sought to identify and convert non-Christians.

Review Questions

• How did the outcome of the Reconquista influence Spanish identity and unity?
  • The successful completion of the Reconquista played a crucial role in shaping a unified Spanish identity as it ended centuries of division among various Christian kingdoms. The shared goal of reclaiming territory from Muslim rule fostered a sense of nationalism that transcended local loyalties. This newfound unity was further solidified by the marriage of Isabella and Ferdinand, who not only completed the Reconquista but also centralized political power, setting Spain on a path toward becoming a significant European power.
• Analyze how the events of the Reconquista contributed to Spain's exploration and colonization efforts in the New World.
  • The conclusion of the Reconquista in 1492 allowed Spain to redirect its military resources and ambitions towards overseas exploration. With their focus shifted from internal conflicts to external expansion, Spanish leaders like Isabella and Ferdinand supported voyages such as Christopher Columbus’s expedition. The desire for wealth, territorial claims, and spreading Christianity motivated these explorations, ultimately leading to significant colonial endeavors that transformed global trade and cultural exchanges.
• Evaluate the long-term social impacts of the Reconquista on religious diversity within Spain.
  • The aftermath of the Reconquista had profound long-term effects on religious diversity in Spain, as it established a predominantly Christian nation that marginalized Muslims and Jews. The victory over Muslim territories led to increased intolerance, exemplified by the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition, which targeted converts from Judaism and Islam. This eradication of religious pluralism not only stifled cultural exchange but also contributed to societal divisions that would echo throughout Spanish history, influencing policies on tolerance and coexistence for centuries to come.

Related terms

Iberian Peninsula: A peninsula in Southwestern Europe that is home to Spain and Portugal, which played a central role during the Reconquista as the primary battleground between Christian and Muslim forces.

Catholic Monarchs: The term used to describe Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, whose marriage unified Spain and completed the Reconquista by capturing Granada.

Convivencia: A historical term that describes the coexistence of Muslims, Christians, and Jews in medieval Spain, particularly during periods when the Reconquista was ongoing but Muslim rule still existed.