The Spanish Expulsion in 1942 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Spanish Expulsion in 1942 - Research Paper Example This paper will discuss the steps taken how the Spanish Kingdom became a Catholic State and how the Jews were formally eradicated from the territory. To conclude the report will show that knowledge is needed to integrate a country. By 1492, Spain was a catholic despot monarchy. Muslim control had been eradicated. Jews and Muslims were being more and more persecuted. Though Catholicism was the only religion, there was a sense of old school and new school or the newly converted Catholics. The "conversos" were no longer believed and put into the same category as the Jews. (The Inquisition) It was a political move on behalf of the Queen to eliminate the "conversos" rather than work to assimilate them as they represented a new wave of political and scientific thinking. (The Inquisition) In 1481, Queen Isabella had requested from the Roman Catholic Church, the authority to start a Spanish Inquisition where the monarchy would have total control over the Spanish Church. Other Inquisitions ha d been directly controlled by the Roman Church. Her motivation was both political, religious and power hungry. The Jews and those "Conversos" were influencing Catholics.(The Inquisition) It wouldn't be until 1483, when General Inquisitor Tomas de Torquemada was appointed. (Thomsett 149) There were still Muslim centres all over the Kingdom. When the Edict of Alhambra was read, the Muslims no longer had the same protection as they did under the Treaty of Grenada. Grenada was the last stronghold of Moorish control of the Iberian Peninsula. The Ottoman Empire had sent soldiers to fight but the Christian soldiers after 700 years of fighting won. At the end of 1491, a Treaty was drawn and Muslims and other refugees were taken to North Africa. The "Reconquista" was declared finished the 2nd of January 1492. (Thormett 127) The Treaty of 1492 was signed. The Muslims and the Jews had always lived in Spanish territory in relative harmony. The terms stated that Jews and Muslims would have certa in protections. Spain had been known for centuries as a State country where religions could exist side by side. Map of the Iberian Peninsula, 1270–1492, showing the kingdoms of Portugal, Castile, Navarre, Granada, Aragon, and Majorca. March 31rst 1492 the Edict of Expulsion or the Edict of Alhambra was signed The six decrees can be resumed into the following (The Edict n.d.) i) to all Jews ii) to those Christians who practiced Judaism and went into Jewish ghettos in 1488; to those who have been drawn into Judaism or communicated with Jews as told by the people of the Inquisition; to those who have been circumcised and who have continued studying and praying†¦. iii) punishment is to forbid them to live within the kingdom iv) all Jews of all ages must leave the kingdom by the end of July 1492 under the penalty of death v) they must sell or get rid of all their worldly possessions under the protection of the government until the end of July.. They will not take any gold or silver or anything of value. vi) any Jew who disagrees will be brought before the courts. the edict will be in all public areas to be read