The Research Series: Secondary Source

The Christians proceed to take Spain during the 11th Century. By 1492, Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile had conquered the last of Spain, destroying Islamic Spain. Under their rule, Ferdinand and Isabella signed the Alhambra Decree which required all Jews and Muslims to convert to Christianity or leave the country. If any Jew or Muslim that did not convert to Christianity or flee the country after so many months, they would be sentenced to death. They used the Inquisition to enforce the law Ferdinand and Isabella rule became known in history as the Catholic Monarchs, named Pope Alexander VI.

After Isabella’s death in 1504 and Ferdinand’s death in 1516, their grandson, Charles V became Holy Roman Emperor. Charles is known as one of the “most extensive in history” taking over large territories in America and increasing wealth to his country. After Charles V resigned, his son Phillip took the throne. But not until after he negotiated his way back into good spirits with Rome.

My sources continued to discuss the emperors after Phillip and the fall of the Spanish Empire. It eventually leads to the French Revolution in 1789 and the Peninsula War.

 

Sources:

“The Catholic Monarchs” http://www.spainthenandnow.com/spanish-history/catholic-monarchs-politics/default_82.aspx

“Islamic Spain and the Reconquista” http://explorethemed.com/reconquista.asp?c=1

“Spain after the Reconquista” http://www.inn-california.com/Articles/history/spain1.html