Essay about Spanish Civilization

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Spanish 1100 – Spanish Culture and Civilization

Name: Shawn Sanghera

Assignment 5

Refer to pages 97 - 125 in The Story of Spain when answering the following questions. Type your answers in the box which will expand as you type. Each question requires a response of 4-8 sentences.

1. Explain the ways in which Fernando and Isabel consolidated their power in order to gain control of the last Moorish stronghold on the peninsula.
They turned first to the Castilian nobility, which for years had been chiping away at Royal authority. In a series of bold moves, they forced the artistocrats out of parliament, took control of th noble-infested military orders, and ordered the destruction of all catles not vital to national defense. They also proceded to control the Hermandad and also the church. They also enstilled the Inquisition. 

2. What was the Inquisition and how was it used by Fernando and Isabel to strengthen their power?
The inquisition originated in the 19th century to deal with Albigensian heresy, chiefly in France, and had become virtually extinct. Isabel gained the pope's permission for a revamped version. From the outset the Spainsh Inquisition's main business was finding and weeding out "false" Christians, particularly Jews who had converted . The Inquisition was a product of the times, born amid Spain's shaky new identity and fears of Jewish-Moorish alliances.

3. Identify the following terms in a sentence or two: a) conversos b) marranos c) auto de fé
a) Jews or Muslims who practiced their religions openly.
b) Jewish converts suspected of reverting to old ways.
c) Punishment that was dealt out at a public display (act of faith).

4. What was the final crusade to capture Granada and why was it so important to the Spanish monarchs? What aspects of Moorish society contributed to the Spanish victory?
Who was Boabdil?
The final crusade of Granada was the last bastion of non-Christian Spain. The monarchs were uo to their necks in the Granada campaign and could not consider another costly endeavor. The Moors' last family feaud contributed greatly to Spanish victory. Boabdil was the last Nasrid ruler of Granada at that time. 

5. When was the expulsion order for Jews issued and why? Why is this considered to be one of the most regrettable decisions make in the history of Spain?
The expulsion was issued for any Jew refusing Christian baptism came just 3 months after Granada's fall. This was because Christians regarded Jews as the Moors' natural allies and traitors. The expulsion was curious action and brought much debate. Due to the high status, both culturally and economically, that the jews had reached during the middle ages. 

6. What motivation did Queen Isabel have for supporting Christopher Columbus’ voyage to find another route to the Orient?
Isabel was motivated with the chance to gain souls as well as gold. By sailing west to the Orient, she reasoned, Christians could attack Islam from the rear and even regain the holy land. The Reconquest could go on and on until the last infidel perished. 

7. Identify the following literary works written in Spain during the 15th century in a sentence or two. Why were they important contributions to Spanish culture? a) Gramática del Castellano b) “romances” c) la Celestina
a) Nebrija published the first grammar text of a modern language.
b) Ballads that form one of the world's great bodies of folk poetry.
c) A materpiece romance by the converso Fernando de Rojas.
These were all impactful
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