Chapter 2- Race and Religion

Question 1

Who was Boabdil?

Answer 1

Son of the Emir of Granada. Was used as a ‘Trojan horse’ enabling F&I to win their war against Granada. Age 19, he was captured by spanish troops. The agreed to a treaty with F&I to help them fight against his father. However by 1486, he had made an alternative agreement with his uncle in defence of Granada. Twice he played a double game and it was not until 1490 that he began to work for peace, concluding the treaty in 1492, with 500 hostages held to insure his loyalty. He was duly rewarded with land.

Question 2

Why was the fear of Islam strong?

Answer 2

– Potential links between Muslims in their state of Granada and the Ottoman Empire in the Eastern Mediterranean were a threat in religious and political terms.
- The economic threat was also strong; the kingdom of Granada bordered on the Mediterranean and had easy access to trade; in addition, it produced commodities such as silk which was a highly prized luxury.

Question 3

Why did F&I want to conquer Granada?

Answer 3

For political reasons because they had already brought together Castile and Aragon in a form of political union. Also there was a strong wish to show the dominance of Catholicism in the Spanish peninsula.

Question 4

What had the 3 religious been in before F&I?

Answer 4

A state of convivencia. Muslim styles of architecture were common and even the royal palace in Seville displayed excerpts from the Qu’ran. On ceremonial occasions the monarchs often wore Moorish dress.

Question 5

What was the conquest of Granada thought of as?

Answer 5

Last stage of the reconquista, or a crusade. Made territory of monarchs largest of spanish peninsula. Granada was, however, very different to both C&A, it’s population being largely Moorish by race and Muslim by religion.

Question 6

How did the pope encourage the war?

Answer 6

He allowed the collection from the clergy of the cruzada tax to finance the war. He also have a large silver cross which was carried in front of the troops to inspire them.

Question 7

What helped Ferdinand and Isabella to win the war?

Answer 7

– Both monarchs became involved in the practicalities of the war, Isabella controlled supplies, Ferdinand directed the campaign. This made troops fight more enthusiastically.

Question 8

What was the state of the army during the CofG?

Answer 8

• Became less feudal therefore more under the control of the monarch.
• Small by modern standards, but large by standards of the day. 50,000 foot soldiers, 10,000 mounted soldiers.

Question 9

During the CofG how did much of the fighting take place?

Answer 9

Took the form of old fashioned sieges generating a great deal of destruction of property and loss of life.
Later on there was a phase of skirmishes and then a period of stalemate.

Question 10

What significant victory took place in 1483?

Answer 10

Large portions of Andalusia were taken, was an important military gain and helped to weaken local economy that was based on the silk industry.

Question 11

What was another important event that helped F&I win the war?

Answer 11

The capture of Boabdil and his oath of loyalty to Ferdinand that meant that ultimately Granada would become a vassal state. The ‘surrender’ caused divisions and weakened Granada.

Question 12

How did the spaniards find the moors?

Answer 12

To be persistent opponents, developing tactics. War a series of sieges. Had the monarchs’ appeal for more forces not succeeded, outcome would have been different.

Question 13

What other cities did they take?

Answer 13

Marbella and after a four month siege- Malaga in 1487.

Question 14

Why were the Moors unable the sustain a lengthy resistance?

Answer 14

They had limited support from other Muslim States eg. Those on the North African Coast.

Question 15

When did Granada surrender?

Answer 15

On 1st January 1492 after lengthy negotiations.

Question 16

What did the pope do after the war ended?

Answer 16

Have F&I the title of the Catholic Monarchs. He called the ‘athletes of Christ’.

Question 17

What were the outcomes of the CofG for F&I?

Answer 17

• glorious publicity
• suggested they were powerful
• brought C&A closer together
• their success applauded by royalty in Europe as well as in Spain.

Question 18

What emphasised their victory over the Moors?

Answer 18

On 2nd January they were given keys to the city. They entered on 6th January which was a Christian feast day.

Question 19

How many inhabitants left Granada?

Answer 19

They were given the opportunity to leave and 200,000 did so with a similar number staying. Over time it was expected hat those who would stay would convert.

Question 20

How could the terms of the Treaty of Granada be described?

Answer 20

Lenient

Question 21

How were the Muslims treated after the surrender?

Answer 21

Although now living under a Christian governed state, the Archbishop of Granada- Talavera- was a believer in conciliation, he tried to ensure that feelings were considered and some balance achieved. Eg. Muslim music was allowed and inquisition now allowed in Granada. He learned Arabic and encouraged the clergy to do so as well. A converted Moor became his confessor.

Question 22

How did things change for the Moors when Cisneros took over?

Answer 22

He was less willing to allow concessions. He introduced the Inquisition and required conversion. After a minor revolt he claimed the Moors should be used as slaves. He was concerned that they would collaborate with the Moors of North Africa. By 1500 forced conversions and mass baptisms became the norm. In 1501 Arabic manuscripts and book burned. By 1502, Muslims had choice of conversion or exile.

Question 23

How did the population of Granada change after the conquest?

Answer 23

Overall, a limited amount of land was given away, for example to nobles, but many Moors emigrated to North Africa and a wave of immigration occurred as landless peasants, mostly Christian, arrived.

Question 24

What were Muslims taught about?

Answer 24

Christianity.

Question 25

How did forcing Muslims to emigrate benefit F&I?

Answer 25

– Would reduce religious clashes
– Castilians could settle on Granadan lands
- Pressured Muslims who remained to convert

Question 26

Why was Ferdinand more conciliatory to the Muslims already living in Aragon?

Answer 26

-Muslim customs were protected, but emigration was limited
-Approach may have been significant in maintaining peace overall in Spain
– Ferdinand was more practical and saw politics as the overriding principle in dealing with religious divisions.

Question 27

How was the outcome of the conquest of Granada politically important?

Answer 27

It further consolidated the influence of the monarchy of Ferdinand and Isabella over the Spanish peninsula. Also Granada became a prime target for use in awarding loyal subjects, or those who might be tempted to be disloyal.

Question 28

How was the outcome of the conquest of Granada economically important?

Answer 28

Because the law said that land gained by conquest could be used and disposed off as the conqueror saw fit.

Question 29

How was the Santa Hermandad established?

Answer 29

It probably developed from early vigilante style units in Castile, which became more organised and permanent as a result of the upheavals of the mid-15th century.

Question 30

What was the function of the Santa Hermandad?

Answer 30

– Had a strong peacekeeping role both as a police force and as judges.
– Its members were paid by tribute from the provinces and local committees in the towns.
-one of its specific tasks was to maintain order on the roads, which was vital for traders who were often victims of attacks by local landlords.
– They chased criminals who ran away and shot them with bows and arrows.
-They could execute criminals without trial.
– Also ran tribunals or courts that were staffed by unpaid officials, similar to magistrates and known as alcaldes.

Question 31

Where were the hermandades based?

Answer 31

There was one of these in every village containing up to 30 families and two in larger communities. They dealt with crimes such as murder, rape, theft and wilful damage.

Question 32

What were the funds that hermandades imposed once used for?

Answer 32

To fund the voyages of Christopher Columbus.

Question 33

What other role did the Hermandad play?

Answer 33

They played a part in controlling the ‘overmighty’ nobles. Its actions provided greater security for the Monarchs, especially in the early days when nobles were a significant challenge, and especially to a female monarch in Castile.

Question 34

Why was the Hermandad disbanded?

Answer 34

– It had achieved its specific purpose

– The monarchs were concerned that it would become a threat to the crown.

Question 35

Was the Hermandad completely disbanded?

Answer 35

No, it still survived in some local communities in a more limited form. Punishments were now less harsh, appeals to ordinary local courts allowed and its officers became more like a local police force with fewer powers. They demonstrated that the new state of Spain was to be an orderly one.

Question 36

Who were the Hermandad de las Marismas?

Answer 36

They were a stronger survival and they protected shipping and trade.

Question 37

When was the inquisition established?

Answer 37

In 1478 Isabella petitioned the Pope for an inquisition which was granted and Ferdinand agreed to introduce it in Aragon. However inquisitions in Spain were not new; they had operated for many years before the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella.

Question 38

What is the ‘Black Legend’?

Answer 38

This suggested a brutal and horrific institution persecuting innocent people. This view was often the way of Spanish Protestant exiles and of contemporaries such as Bartolomé de Las Casas who was actually referring to treatment of Indians in the new world.

Question 39

Why was the inquisition established?

Answer 39

For religious reasons. It is important to appreciate that Spain had never been religiously united.Three major faiths, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, had traditionally exercised freedom of worship. However, christianity was now perceived as being under threat and Ferdinand and Isabella were determined to rectify this – uniformity would be a strength, whereas diversity could be a weakness.

Question 40

Who had the authority over the Inquisition?

Answer 40

Appointments and regulations required the agreement of the Pope but, significantly, tribunals were responsible to Ferdinand & Isabella, this did not stop the Pope attempting to interfere on occasion.

Question 41

Where did the inquisitions authority extend to?

Answer 41

It’s authority ran through all the territories of Spain, although it’s authority was not always accepted. Conflict occurred in a number of towns, such as Saragossa, Valencia and Barcelona, and were often caused by the presence of a large number of conversos.

Question 42

Who coordinated the work of the inquisition?

Answer 42

The Suprema, or Council of the Inquisition. It had five or six members meeting regularly every day of the week except Sundays. Its head appeals, made decisions and gave out instructions (cartas accordas) to the provincial tribunals.

Question 43

What were the regional tribunals?

Answer 43

In 1492, tribunals operated in 26 different towns scattered throughout Spain. Complex network of officials of different kinds ensured that the Inquisition worked with a reasonable efficiency. They were usually staffed by law graduates or previous employees of the church, helped by other officials such as notaries , constables and prosecutors.

Question 44

Who were the familiares?

Answer 44

These were prized posts, despite the lack of pay, because they were perceived as prestigious. They helped to carry out investigations and they eventually found the brotherhood called the Congregation of Saint Peter the Martyr. They were often regarded as spies and informers, however initial denunciations were usually made by friends and neighbours of the accused.

Question 45

What does the Spanish Inquisition appear to be similar to?

Answer 45

The medieval version that had operated in Languedoc (France) and Aragon.

Question 46

Who was the key official of the Inquisition?

Answer 46

The Inquisitor general; the first appointee in Spain was Tomas de Torquemada.

Question 47

What could be the main motive for the establishment of the Inquisition?

Answer 47

Religious – to ensure that those of other religions such as Jews or Muslims converted to Christianity and remained adherent to their new faith. However, the Catholic Monarchs were not particularly anti-Jewish, but were concerned about those who had converted and become conversos.

Question 48

What other motives were there for the establishment of the Inquisition?

Answer 48

Political – Ferdinand simply saw the Inquisition as a means of extending and consolidating Royal authority.
Financial – converso property could be confiscated by the Crown and this would clearly conver some costs of government.

Question 49

Where and when was the Council of the Inquisition established?

Answer 49

In 1488 and was a part of Isabella’s overall reforms of government structure. It was seen as a natural development for the monarchs to create a separate council. Although the motive to extend political authority is a charge usually placed against Ferdinand it is in Castile not Aragon that the Suprema was established.

Question 50

What evidence is there to suggest that the Inquisition had been a response to a particular circumstance rather than a major policy?

Answer 50

– Initially never seen as a body with authority across Spain
-there were variations, for example, in Cuenca, inquisition was organised in the same way as the limited body that operated in Aragon as early as the 13th century.

Question 51

What evidence is there to suggest that the Inquisition was seen as a useful tool?

Answer 51

Reductions made in the numbers of tribunal is in the early 16th century suggest either a considerable element of success in dealing with identified heretics or possibly financial factors.

Question 52

What were the rules of the inquisition called?

Answer 52

Instrucciones Antiguas. They were drawn up in 1484 and continued to be added to until 1500.

Question 53

What was the status of the Jews in Spain pre 1492?

Answer 53

They varied in numbers from circa 80,000 to 200,000. Number was much larger than other European states where Jews generally were less valued for their skills. In Spain, many Jews were doctors, finances, traders and artisans.

Question 54

Why were conversos not fully trusted?

Answer 54

Their conversion was always suspect. This perception was often supported by evidence that they kept many links to their Jewish culture and continued to practice their Jewish faith in private but were Christians in public. They were therefore seen as a significant threat by the authorities.

Question 55

What evidence is there that there were negative attitudes towards Jews?

Answer 55

– Very flimsy evidence was often used to convict Jews of heresy.
– Only those who are clearly not of Old Christian/ Jewish ancestry held positions of any importance.
-Unbaptised Jews tended to live in ghettos and were, in Castile, ordered to wear distinctive red and yellow badges.
-Jews were heavily taxed.
– although many Jews had iimportant professional roles in society, their conversion to Christianity was seen as significant to increase Spain’s authority.
-refusal to convert couldlead to severe punishment. This included death, exclusion from participation in government at local and national levels, bans on joining the army, forming trade guilds or working in universities.

Question 56

What was the financial motive for the expulsion of the Jews?

Answer 56

Jews were a potential source of wealth, providing both income and goods; in the latter category, land was the most coveted as it could be used as a resource for the crown, sold on or given as a reward to other enterprising subjects. It was a good way of swelling of the Royal coffers, particularly in view of the expenses of the war against Granada.

Question 57

What was the recommendation by Inquisition in 1492?

Answer 57

That all Jews should be expelled. In fact, they were presented with a choice, which was not really a choice at all. They had four months in which to decide whether to leave the country or to convert. Ruling applied to mainland Spain and all territories of Spain, excluding the Naples, where the introduction of an inquisition had been strongly resisted.

Question 58

How many Jews left Castile?

Answer 58

Exact numbers are difficult to confirm, although a suggested figure for those that left permanently is in the region of 50,000. Up to 200,000 Jews offered significant sums of money to the crown to allow them to stay. Many Jewish family who did leave eventually returned to Castile; they were even able to buy back their land provided they could prove that they had become Christians. Those who later returned as converts could work in their professional roles and continue to contribute to the growing wealth and development of Spain.

Question 59

What were the social implications of expulsion of the Jews?

Answer 59

– Concerns about Schelde is in the population

– The loss of doctors and professionals et cetera and the loss of their contribution to the economy.

Question 60

What was the state if spain I the early days of F&I’s reign?

Answer 60

A state of convivencia. This was because of the geographical separation of the different communities; living together in the same country, but in different areas and in specific communities. By 1480, Jews had begun living separately from other communities and some towns, a policy called apartamiento, he is distinctive areas were later called ghettos.

Question 61

What was the percentage of the population of Aragon that were Muslim?

Answer 61

20%

Question 62

How could the Jews who had been expelled return to Castile?

Answer 62

In November of the same year, Ferdinand issued another document that suggested that those who had left could return if they agreed to be baptised as Christians. The Monarchs also seem to have set up a scheme that would allow conversos to pay to be absolved from any religious offences.

Question 63

What were are the consequences for those Jews who had converted?

Answer 63

Tension group within Jewish communities but also among Christian populations. The very naming of the different groups highlighted the differences and created ill feeling between them. Conversions were not always seen as real by Christian or Jewish communities.

Question 64

According to Edwards what was Archbishop Talavera responsible for?

Answer 64

– The conversion of more than 100 people.
– The building of around 100 parish churches.
– Establishing a seminary to train priests to support Christians and convert Muslims.
– he encouraged his clergy to learn Arabic, contributed on a social level, cared for abandoned children who he hoped to draw into the catholic church.

Question 65

How was Cisneros more hard-hitting than Talavera in regards to Granada?

Answer 65

The resulting riot in December 1499 lee to an even more vigourous campaign by Cisneros to convert the Granadans. E.g. he set out on a campaign for mass conversion and claimed that 3000 were baptised into the faith. However an outright rebellion ensued. Ferdinand had to intervene militarily, supported by some of the nobility, and Cisneros was replaced by Talavera and other lower clergy were drafted in to help.

Question 66

What was the final straw for the Moors in Granada?

Answer 66

By 1501, copies of the Qur’an were being confiscated. The final ultimatum was issued in 1502 that conversion or exile was to be chosen. Those who chose to leave could not go to the Ottoman Empire or North Africa. Penalties were also imposed on Castilians who tried to help these Muslims.

Question 67

How did cardinal Cisneros help the church with reform?

Answer 67

He was particularly interested in reform of the religious orders and set up specific inspections or visitations. As a consequence, the Dominicans, Franciscans and female orders were ordered to improve their conduct to give them greater credibility. Education is also enhanced, e.g., by the foundation of the College of Santa Cruz in 1484, enabling priests to understand the scriptures better and be more authoritative in the guidance they gave to their flock.

Question 68

How where the monarchs able to influence religious reform more than their predecessors?

Answer 68

The pope was eager for this support. In return, he was willing to give them more freedom in running the Spanish church. This was particularly useful in appointing offices in new lands, e.g. Granada, as well as overseas territories. It did not apply to Spain itself. The monarchs were also able to ensure that foreigners were not placed in Spanish benefices.