Text丨Cognitive history
Editor丨Cognitive history
preface
The Conquest of Granada was an important military conflict in the history of the Iberian Peninsula, taking place at the end of the 15th century. During this period, there were religious, political and cultural contradictions on the Spanish peninsula between the Christian Kingdom of Spain and the Islamic Kingdom of Granada. The war not only changed the map of the Spanish peninsula, but also had a profound impact on European history.
In the course of this war, the Spanish army launched many military operations, and after many battles and sieges, finally captured the city of Granada. This war is not only a military conflict, but also a clash of religions, politics and cultures. The conquest of Granada marked the unification of Christianity on the Spanish peninsula, while also triggering religious sentiments and cultural changes.
Background and causes
The Iberian Peninsula was once part of the Islamic Empire, and Muslims controlled the region since 711. However, over time, Christian power gradually recovered on the peninsula. By the end of the 15th century, religious differences between Christianity and Islam still existed, leading to religious and cultural clashes.
During this period, the Spanish kingdoms gradually became united. The marriage of King Isabella I of Aragon and King Ferdinand II of Castile united the Kingdom of Spain. They actively promoted the revival of Christianity and considered the conquest of Granada to be the mission of Christian Spain.
The Kingdom of Granada, located in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, was the last kingdom still ruled by Muslims. The Kingdom of Spain saw the conquest of Granada as an opportunity to expand its territory and consolidate its political influence. In addition, the region is rich in resources and is important for Spain's economic and military power.
Religious sentiment between Christianity and Islam intensified during this period. The Spanish Christian kings considered the conquest of Granada to be a sacred mission to liberate Christians, so religious beliefs and war goals were closely linked.
Before the outbreak of the War of Conquest, there were already many conflicts and border disputes between the Christian Kingdom of Spain and the Islamic Kingdom of Granada. These skirmishes escalated, eventually triggering full-scale wars of conquest.
Siege and conquest
The city of Granada was fortified and its walls tall, so siege warfare became the main tactic in the process of conquest. Using heavy siege equipment, such as catapults and ladders, the Spanish army carried out several attacks on the city of Granada.
The most famous of these was the siege of Alhambra Castle. Due to the fortification of the walls and the stubborn resistance of the Granada army, the siege was carried out with great difficulty and at great cost.
Despite facing a strong Spanish army, the army of the Kingdom of Granada showed a strong will to resist. The Granadian army not only put up stubborn resistance on the walls, but also tried to launch counterattacks several times, trying to change the tide of the battle. However, due to the military strength and strategic superiority of the Spanish army, Granada's counterattack failed to achieve tangible results.
In the course of the war, divisions arose within the Kingdom of Granada, with some leaders supporting negotiations with Spain for a peaceful solution. However, these negotiations were unsuccessful, as King Verdinand II of Spain insisted on Granada's unconditional surrender. The internal division weakened the resistance of the Kingdom of Granada and created the conditions for the victory of Spain.
The Varel Castle was one of the most important defensive strongholds of Granada and a key target of the war. In 1478, the Spanish army launched a massive siege, and after months of siege and fierce fighting, the Varel Castle finally fell on January 2, 1492, marking the end of the Granada War.
The fall of the Varel Castle made the resistance of the Kingdom of Granada extremely serious. The last king of Granada, Dr. Poabrahia, surrendered on January 2, 1492, ending the existence of the Kingdom of Granada. King Verdinand II of Spain officially proclaimed the conquest of Granada, marking the victory of the entire war of conquest.
Spain regains lost territory
In the early Middle Ages, the Kingdom of Spain lost numerous territories, including some areas on the Iberian Peninsula, as well as some colonies in the Mediterranean and America. The Spanish monarch, in order to restore the honor of the country, expand his power, and pursue wealth and power, decided to take action to recover these lost lands.
The Conquest of Granada (1482-1492) was an important part of the Spanish Reconquest. Through siege battles and sieges, Spain succeeded in conquering the Castle of Varrel, a fortress in the Kingdom of Granada, the last Islamic state on the Iberian Peninsula, marking the end of Muslim rule in Spain and strengthening the unity of Spain.
At the end of the 15th century, the Kingdom of Spain succeeded in recovering parts of southern Italy through a series of wars and diplomacy. King Ferdinand II of Spain gradually expanded his control over Naples and Sicily through marriage with relatives and diplomatic alliances.
At the same time, Spain also carried out large-scale colonization activities in the Americas, gradually conquering Mexico, Peru and other places. These new colonies not only brought great wealth to Spain, but also strengthened Spain's position on the world stage.
The Spanish explorer Magalan arrived in the Philippines in the early 16th century and gradually conquered the region. The Philippines became an important Spanish colony in Southeast Asia, providing a new base for the expansion of the Spanish Empire.
In addition to military operations, Spain also achieved its goal of recovering lost territory through diplomatic means. Diplomatic means such as alliances with other countries and marriage alliances helped Spain expand its sphere of influence.
Religious and cultural influences
The Spanish Reconquest coincided with the Reformation, and there were some reform movements within the Catholic Church. In the process of recovering the lost territories, the Spanish Catholic Church and monarchs actively promoted the Catholic faith and spread Christian values to the recovered territories.
In the process of regaining the lost territories, the conflict between Catholicism and Islam became more pronounced, forming a series of religious wars. These wars were fought not only over territory but also over religious beliefs, further deepening the gap between Spain and the Islamic state.
In the process of regaining the lost territory, the cultures of different regions of Spain were exchanged and integrated. The recovered territories brought about the convergence of different cultures, such as Arab culture, Christian culture, etc., and produced multiple influences in language, architecture, art, etc.
Spain established numerous colonies in the Americas, spreading its religion and culture to the New World. The religion and language of Spain have had a profound impact on the culture of Latin American countries and have become part of the important cultural heritage of these countries.
After the reconquista, Spain built many religious buildings, such as churches and monasteries. These buildings not only show the religious beliefs of Spain, but also masterpieces of Spanish culture and art.
After the reconquest, Spain built a number of universities and educational institutions, which promoted the dissemination of knowledge and the development of education. These educational institutions have produced many scholars, cultural people and thinkers, contributing to the flourishing of culture.
After the reconquest, there was a boom in cultural publishing in Spain, and a large number of cultural works, books and documents were published and disseminated. These publications contribute to the dissemination of religion, culture and knowledge in Spain.
Transformation in international relations
Spain regained control of the Mediterranean after regaining lost territory, making it an important power in the Mediterranean. This has had a huge impact on the international balance of power in the Mediterranean, affecting the status and power of other countries in the Mediterranean.
In the process of regaining lost territory, the religious conflict between Catholicism and Islam became one of the main contradictions. This religious conflict was not limited to Spain and Muslims, but also spread between other countries, leading to a series of religious wars and conflicts.
In response to the threat of the Spanish reconquista, several countries formed alliances to resist Spanish expansion. This international alliance and cooperation promotes diplomatic relations between countries and influences future international political cooperation.
The Spanish Reconquista changed the European international system. The previous international system was mainly based on feudal countries, but after the reconquest of lost territory, the power of feudal countries was relatively weakened, the status of countries was readjusted, and the international system began to transform into a modern international system.
Spain's colonial expansion expanded further after the Reconquest of the lost territories, and its control over the colonies was strengthened. This led to competition and rivalry between Spain and other colonial powers, affecting international relations on a global scale.
The Reconquest led to a realignment of Spanish foreign policy, emphasizing Mediterranean and colonial interests. This led to a change in Spain's role and position in international affairs, becoming a major player in international relations in the Mediterranean region and colonies.
Muslim and Jewish influence
As Spain regained lost territory, the status of Muslims in Spain declined dramatically. Muslim civilization, which once flourished in the Iberian Peninsula, has been severely impacted, with many Muslims forced to leave their homes or convert to faith. This has had a profound impact on the demographic, cultural and economic aspects of Muslim communities.
After the Spanish Reconquista, Jews were also persecuted and deported to varying degrees. In 1492, Spain issued the Al Khaxel Edict, requiring all Jews to convert to Christianity or be deported. Many Jews were forced to leave their homes, their property confiscated, and Jewish culture and communities were dealt a major blow.
Muslims and Jews have a rich cultural and intellectual tradition on the Iberian Peninsula. Their loss has had an impact on the cultural heritage of Spain and throughout Europe. Many cultural and scholarly works, documents and knowledge have been destroyed or lost, resulting in enormous cultural and scholarly losses.
The deported Muslims and Jews took their knowledge, culture and skills to other regions in the diaspora. In the process of diaspora, they also promoted exchanges and integration between different cultures. This has had an impact on the spread of culture and knowledge across Europe, promoting cultural pluralism.
The departure of Muslims and Jews led to social and economic changes in the Iberian Peninsula. Many industries and businesses were affected after their departure, and the social structure changed. This has an impact on the stability and economic development of society as a whole.
In addition, the expulsion of Muslims and Jews has had an impact on other regions and countries, including but not limited to:
Deported Muslims and Jews brought their culture, knowledge and skills to their diasporic destinations. They fostered the exchange of culture and knowledge in the new community, influencing local culture, science and art. This cultural exchange and transfer fosters diversity and innovation.
Muslims and Jews continued to engage in commerce, craftsmanship, and finance in the new community, contributing to the local economy. Their business networks and experience have had a positive impact on the economic development of their new place of residence, promoting business exchange and prosperity.
The expelled people brought their knowledge in medicine, mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, etc. to new regions. This dissemination of knowledge promotes scientific and academic development, with an impact on local knowledge systems.
Despite the effects of the expulsion, the exiled Muslims and Jews maintained their cultural and religious traditions. They continue to pass on and preserve their culture in their new regions, adding color to the local multicultural environment.
The evicted people are gradually integrated into the local society in their new communities, living and working with indigenous peoples. Their arrival enriches the diversity of society and promotes the blending and integration of cultures.