R1715thand16th

17. Relationships between domestic and foreign policies

The reconquista in Spain and Portugal was an attempt by Christian rulers to drive out Muslim and Jewish forces in their land. The success of this was necessary to unite Spain and build patriotic feelings throughout the nation. Muslims were believed to be extremely foreign, because of their very different customs and outward appearance while the Jews were becoming too great of a banking force in Spain. Some also believed them to be the cause of distress. Religious radicals banded together to stop the spread of Muslim and Jewish support. The reconquista became very violent and lasted hundreds of years. It finally ended in 1492 when Muslims and Jews were forced out.

McKay, John P. __A History of Western Society__. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2003