Explore the transformative era of early modern Iberia, where the Reconquista, the union of Ferdinand and Isabella, and the Spanish Inquisition shaped the political and cultural landscape. The Treaty of Tordesillas and the Iberian Union under Philip II further defined the region's historical trajectory, influencing the complex relationship between Spain and Portugal.
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The Iberian Peninsula was a tapestry of diverse political entities during the early modern era, marked by the dynamic interplay between Christian and Muslim sovereignties
The concept of 'convivencia' allowed for the coexistence of diverse cultures and religions on the Iberian Peninsula during the early modern era
The historical narrative of the peninsula is one of successive conquests and reconquests, with Roman, Visigothic, and Muslim rulers paving the way for the eventual unification of Spain and Portugal as distinct nation-states
The accession of Charles I of Spain (also known as Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor) began the process of centralizing authority and unifying the disparate regions of Castile and Aragon under a single monarchy
The establishment of the Spanish Inquisition in 1478 enforced Catholic orthodoxy and led to the expulsion of Jews and Muslims, significantly altering the demographic and cultural fabric of the region
Despite the expulsion, the influence of Jewish and Muslim communities remained evident in the enduring contributions to Iberian architecture, language, and cultural practices
Spain and Portugal were often at odds over territorial claims and maritime supremacy, leading to conflicts such as the War of Castilian Succession
The Treaty of Alcáçovas and the Treaty of Tordesillas were significant agreements that divided the non-European world between the Spanish and Portuguese empires and granted Portugal the right to navigate the Atlantic
The Iberian Peninsula was politically unified for a brief period when Philip II of Spain became Philip I of Portugal after the Portuguese succession crisis, but this union faced resistance and imposed financial strains on both nations