The Expulsion of Jews from Spain and Portugal

Jan 15

2 min read

The expulsion of Jews from Spain and Portugal is an illustrative example of changing social hierarchies between 1450 and 1750 for Unit 4 in AP World History. This is an example you could reference on your AP World History test.

A Map of the Expulsion of the Jews — 2179415163/Shutterstock

The late 15th century witnessed a watershed moment in the history of Jewish communities with the expulsion of Jews from Spain and Portugal. In 1492, King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile signed the Alhambra Decree, ordering the expulsion of Jews who refused to convert to Christianity. Shortly thereafter, in 1497, Portugal followed suit with the Portuguese Expulsion Edict. These edicts marked a profound shift, leading to the forced migration of a significant population and impacting the cultural, economic, and religious landscape of the Iberian Peninsula.

The roots of the expulsion can be traced to a combination of religious, economic, and political factors. The completion of the Reconquista in 1492, reclaiming the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule, heightened religious fervor. The monarchs sought to establish religious unity in their realms, viewing the Jewish presence as an obstacle to this goal. Additionally, economic concerns played a role, as anti-Jewish sentiment was often linked to unfounded accusations of economic exploitation.

The Alhambra Decree mandated that Jews convert to Christianity or face expulsion. Many chose exile, becoming known as Sephardic Jews. This diaspora led to a dispersion across Europe, North Africa, and the Ottoman Empire, where communities retained their distinct Sephardic identity, language (Ladino), and cultural traditions. The expulsion had a profound impact on Iberian culture, stripping the region of a vibrant and influential Jewish community that had thrived for centuries.

The expulsion of Jews from Spain and Portugal left an enduring mark on the history of the Jewish diaspora and European Jewry. The Sephardic Jews carried their rich cultural heritage to new lands, contributing to the diversity of Jewish communities worldwide. The event also serves as a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between religious intolerance, political decisions, and the enduring resilience of persecuted communities in the face of adversity.