The Alhambra Decree: Expulsion of Jews from Spain

On April 30, 1492, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, known as the Catholic Monarchs, signed the Alhambra Decree, also referred to as the Edict of Expulsion. This decree ordered the expulsion of practicing Jews from the Kingdoms of Castile and Aragon and their territories by July 31 of that year.

Historical Context

The late 15th century was a period of significant religious and political consolidation in Spain. Ferdinand and Isabella had successfully completed the Reconquista, the centuries-long campaign to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule, with the capture of Granada in January 1492. This victory marked the end of Muslim political presence in Spain and reinforced the monarchs’ commitment to religious unity under Christianity.

Key Provisions of the Decree

The Alhambra Decree mandated that all Jews who refused to convert to Christianity were to leave the Spanish kingdoms. The decree provided a three-month period for Jews to settle their affairs, during which they were permitted to sell their property and settle debts. However, they were prohibited from taking gold, silver, or minted money out of the country, which severely limited their ability to start anew elsewhere.

Motivations Behind the Decree

The decree was influenced by several factors:

1. Religious Uniformity: The Catholic Monarchs sought to create a homogeneous Christian society, believing that religious unity would strengthen their rule and the kingdom’s stability.

2. Social Tensions: There were growing tensions between Christians and Jews, exacerbated by economic competition and religious differences. The monarchs aimed to alleviate these tensions by removing the Jewish population.

3. Influence of the Inquisition: The Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478, played a significant role in pressuring the monarchs to take action against Jews. The Inquisition targeted conversos (Jews who had converted to Christianity) suspected of secretly practicing Judaism, and the expulsion was seen as a means to eliminate this perceived threat.

Consequences and Aftermath

The expulsion had profound effects on both the Jewish community and Spanish society:

• Jewish Diaspora: An estimated 40,000 to 100,000 Jews left Spain, seeking refuge in various parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Ottoman Empire. This diaspora contributed to the spread of Sephardic Jewish culture and traditions.

• Economic Impact: The departure of Jews, many of whom were skilled artisans, merchants, and financiers, had a negative impact on the Spanish economy. The loss of their expertise and networks was felt in various sectors.

• Cultural Loss: The expulsion led to a significant cultural and intellectual loss for Spain, as Jewish scholars, scientists, and thinkers were forced to leave.

• Religious Homogeneity: The decree marked a significant step towards religious homogeneity in Spain, aligning with the monarchs’ vision of a unified Christian kingdom.

The Alhambra Decree remained in effect until it was formally revoked in 1968, reflecting the long-lasting impact of this historical event on Spanish society and the Jewish community worldwide.