Muslims/Moriscos; the Reconquista; Jews/conversos and anti-Semitism

The idea

The drive for religious uniformity profoundly shaped the new Spanish state. The Reconquista culminated in the 1492 conquest of Granada, ending Islamic rule. Initially granted religious freedom, Muslims faced forced conversions by 1502, creating a marginalised Morisco population suspected of secretly practising Islam. Concurrently, deep-rooted anti-Semitism led to the 1492 Alhambra Decree, expelling all practising Jews. This policy aimed to prevent them from influencing conversos (Jewish converts to Christianity). Conversos faced intense scrutiny from the Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478, which investigated claims of false conversion. These policies created a society obsessed with limpieza de sangre (purity of blood).

What earns the marks

• Analyse the motivations behind the completion of the Reconquista and its impact on the Muslim population of Granada.
• Evaluate the transition of royal policy from the initial toleration of Muslims (Treaty of Granada) to forced conversions and the creation of the Morisco problem.
• Assess the role of anti-Semitism and the desire for religious uniformity in the decision to expel the Jews in 1492.
• Examine the establishment and function of the Spanish Inquisition in targeting conversos suspected of secretly practising Judaism.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Using 'Muslims' and 'Moriscos' interchangeably.

  Put it right: Use 'Muslims' for the period before forced conversion and 'Moriscos' for those who converted to Christianity (often nominally) after 1502.

• Stating the Inquisition was established to persecute practising Jews.

  Put it right: Clarify that the Inquisition only had jurisdiction over baptised Christians, specifically targeting conversos suspected of heresy.

• Viewing the Reconquista solely as a religious crusade.

  Put it right: Acknowledge the political and economic motivations, such as acquiring land and consolidating royal power, alongside the religious rhetoric.

Exam tips

• Link the expulsion of the Jews and the forced conversion of Muslims to the broader theme of Ferdinand and Isabella's state-building and the pursuit of religious unity.
• Use the concept of limpieza de sangre (purity of blood) to explain the long-term social marginalisation of both conversos and Moriscos.
• When evaluating the impact of the 1492 expulsions, consider the economic consequences of losing skilled Jewish administrators, merchants, and artisans.