Historical context Flashcards
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context
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- 11th to 15th century, Catholics battled to re-conquer Spain from Islamic Arabs and Berbers, or Moors, who successfully occupied it since 900s. Struggle inspired intense prejudice and suspicion that lasted long after the Moors were overthrown
- Phillip III of Spain expelled 300,000 “Moriscos” not long after Shakespeare finished Othello, in 1609.
- In Shakespearean England, views about “Moors” were more complex. Strong anti-Catholic sentiment in England and English feared invasion by Spanish. In fact, England maintained independent trade relationships with “Moorish” Northern Africa, despite Spanish and Portuguese protest.
- English slave trade also brought blacks to Europe, from mid-16th century onward. Queen Elizabeth founded Barbary Company, formally institutionalising this trade: she received a delegation of Moroccan diplomats in 1600s. However, English were suspicious of Islam.
- Elizabeth issued a degree expelling Moors from Africa and Spanisb “Moriscos” from boundary of England in 1599 and 1601.
