The Expulsion of Jews in Spain: 1492 Decree
The Expulsion of the Jews: A Decree of the Catholic Monarchs in 1492
This text examines the context surrounding the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492, during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs (RRCC). It challenges the notion that the conversion to Catholicism was a voluntary act, emphasizing it was a decree mandated by the RRCC.
Religious Diversity and the Rise of the Modern State
The Iberian Peninsula was characterized by religious and cultural diversity, with Jews, Christians, and Muslims coexisting with a degree of tolerance. However, the RRCC pursued a policy of religious and territorial unity, targeting those who did not adhere to Catholicism. This period marks the emergence of the modern state.
While Muslims were initially granted certain rights after the capitulation of Granada, they too faced eventual expulsion.
The Decree and its Consequences
The text highlights prior issues with Jewish communities, including their isolation in ghettos or aljamas. The decree mandated the complete expulsion of Jews from the peninsula, with no possibility of return. The Court of the Inquisition played a significant role in enforcing this edict. Jews were forced to sell their assets and leave within a specified deadline.
Political and Social Conflicts of the 15th Century
The 15th century witnessed serious conflicts between the nobility and the clergy. During the reign of John II, the nobility gained power. Under Henry IV, the Castilian nobility exploited the monarch’s perceived weakness. This led to a succession dispute between Isabella and Juana la Beltraneja. Despite Juana having the support of some nobles, Isabella, aided by her husband Ferdinand of Aragon, ultimately prevailed after the Battle of Toro. This victory resulted in the dynastic union of Castile and Aragon.
The Hispanic Monarchy: A New Political Entity
The marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella created a new political entity: the Hispanic Monarchy. This union, however, was personal, not institutional. Castile and Aragon were never a single political or administrative unit.
Consolidation of Power Under the Catholic Monarchs
The RRCC established governing bodies dependent on the monarchy to control the nobility and clergy. The union of the two crowns was personal and not institutional, and there was never a common political and administrative unit.
Boundaries between kingdoms required payment of duties on goods, and the courts continued to meet independently. The currency, laws, and institutions of each kingdom remained distinct.
However, the Crown extended its power, achieving a balance between the kingdoms. Effective agencies, such as a permanent, well-paid army of mercenary soldiers (notably led by Captain Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba), and the creation of the Santa Hermandad (Holy Brotherhood), increased the Crown’s control.
Key Institutions and Figures
- Corregidores: Important figures responsible for conveying royal orders to local authorities.
- Viceroy: Instituted in the Crown of Aragon, representing the monarch in each territory.
- Royal Council of Castile: Served as an advisory body to the monarchs, reflecting their absolute authority.
- Secretaries: Individuals from the lower nobility and bourgeoisie appointed to key positions.