Reconquista

Definition

The Reconquista refers to the centuries-long struggle (approximately 711 to 1492) by Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula to reclaim territory from Muslim rule. This pivotal period ended with the fall of Granada in 1492, marking the completion of Christian dominance and the unification of Spain under Ferdinand and Isabella, which directly influenced the establishment of new monarchies during this transformative era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Reconquista spanned nearly 800 years, beginning with the Umayyad conquest of Hispania in 711 and concluding with the capture of Granada in 1492.
2. It involved several key battles and military campaigns led by various Christian kingdoms, including Castile, Aragon, and Leon.
3. The completion of the Reconquista played a crucial role in shaping Spanish identity and solidifying a sense of national unity under Christian rule.
4. Following the Reconquista, Ferdinand and Isabella implemented policies that included the Inquisition, aimed at consolidating their power by enforcing religious conformity.
5. The end of the Reconquista also marked Spain's emergence as a significant European power, leading to overseas exploration and colonization in the Americas.

Review Questions

• How did the Reconquista influence the political landscape of the Iberian Peninsula during the period leading up to 1492?
  • The Reconquista significantly altered the political landscape of the Iberian Peninsula by shifting power from Muslim rulers to various Christian kingdoms. As territories were reclaimed, alliances were formed among Christian states such as Castile and Aragon. This culminated in the unification of Spain under Ferdinand and Isabella, which established a centralized monarchy that laid the groundwork for a more unified Spanish state.
• Evaluate the impact of Ferdinand and Isabella's completion of the Reconquista on Spain's role in European politics and global exploration.
  • The completion of the Reconquista allowed Ferdinand and Isabella to consolidate their power and create a unified Spanish state that was both politically stable and religiously homogeneous. This newfound stability enabled Spain to project its influence beyond Europe, culminating in sponsorship of Christopher Columbus's voyages in 1492. Thus, Spain emerged as a dominant power in European politics while also beginning its era of global exploration and colonization.
• Analyze how the legacy of the Reconquista shaped cultural, religious, and social dynamics within Spain following its conclusion.
  • The legacy of the Reconquista profoundly shaped cultural, religious, and social dynamics within Spain after 1492. The campaign not only reinforced Christian identity but also resulted in policies like the Inquisition, which sought to eliminate non-Christian influences. This created an atmosphere of religious intolerance that affected relations between different communities, including Jews and Muslims, leading to their expulsion or forced conversion. Furthermore, it fostered a culture that emphasized chivalric values and a crusading spirit, deeply embedding these ideals into Spanish society.

Related terms

Iberian Peninsula: The southwestern European peninsula that includes modern-day Spain and Portugal, where the Reconquista took place.

Ferdinand and Isabella:

The Catholic Monarchs of Spain who completed the Reconquista, unified Spain, and sponsored Christopher Columbus's voyages.

Al-Andalus: The region of the Iberian Peninsula that was under Muslim control for several centuries before being gradually reconquered by Christian forces.