Reconquista

Definition

The Reconquista refers to the period of history in the Iberian Peninsula from the 8th century until 1492, during which Christian kingdoms sought to recapture territory from Muslim rule. This long struggle culminated in the fall of Granada, the last Muslim stronghold, and symbolized the unification of Spain under Christian monarchs. The events of the Reconquista had profound implications, influencing exploration and colonization efforts across the Atlantic.

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 fall of Granada marked not only the end of Muslim rule in Spain but also the completion of a Christian campaign that shaped national identity and unity.
3. The Reconquista fostered a sense of religious zeal, leading to increased efforts to convert Muslims and Jews to Christianity, culminating in the Spanish Inquisition.
4. The military tactics and experiences gained during the Reconquista played a significant role in shaping European exploration strategies as Spanish explorers began crossing the Atlantic.
5. The unification of Spain under Ferdinand and Isabella after the Reconquista set the stage for Spain to become a dominant global power in the 16th century.

Review Questions

• How did the Reconquista influence Spanish national identity and religious practices during and after its conclusion?
  • The Reconquista significantly shaped Spanish national identity by fostering a strong sense of unity among Christian kingdoms against a common enemy. This religious fervor led to increased efforts for conversion among Muslims and Jews, ultimately resulting in events like the Spanish Inquisition. The conclusion of the Reconquista solidified Christianity as a cornerstone of Spanish identity and catalyzed a legacy of religious homogeneity that would affect Spain's social and political landscape for centuries.
• Discuss how military tactics developed during the Reconquista impacted later Spanish exploration efforts across the Atlantic.
  • The military tactics honed during the long campaigns of the Reconquista laid crucial groundwork for Spanish explorers venturing into new territories across the Atlantic. The experience gained from siege warfare and cavalry strategies directly influenced how they approached conquests in the Americas. As these explorers encountered indigenous populations, they applied lessons learned from their previous military engagements, enabling them to establish dominance over vast regions quickly.
• Evaluate the broader implications of the Reconquista's conclusion on European power dynamics and colonial expansion in the late 15th century.
  • The end of the Reconquista had far-reaching implications for European power dynamics as it signaled the emergence of Spain as a unified nation-state poised for global expansion. With newfound confidence and resources, Ferdinand and Isabella sponsored Christopher Columbus's voyage in 1492, marking the beginning of extensive European exploration and colonization. This not only allowed Spain to establish vast overseas empires but also shifted geopolitical balances in Europe, as other nations began to pursue their own colonial ambitions, leading to an age of intense competition for global dominance.

Related terms

Iberian Peninsula: The geographical region in southwestern Europe that includes modern-day Spain and Portugal, where the Reconquista took place.

Ferdinand and Isabella: The Catholic Monarchs of Spain whose marriage united the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile, playing a crucial role in completing the Reconquista and sponsoring Columbus's voyage.

Al-Andalus: The name given to the Muslim-ruled territories of the Iberian Peninsula, which existed from 711 to 1492, during which time it was a center of cultural and scientific advancement.