How Did Spanish Influence 15th Century Jewish

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Long before the 15th Century, Jews were occupying Spain. They became extremely influential in Spain’s economy and were living formidably along with the many Christians in Spain. Although the Jews had their own religion, language, and laws, they were still able to get along with the Christians. Jews at the beginning of the 15th century held good positions in the work industry. They worked as administrators, tax collectors and diplomats along with Christians. Jews were also extremely skilled in trade; hence they became leaders in the cloth, furniture, and jewelry industries. They were able to profit from lending money for a fee, which at that time Catholics were not allowed to do. Having noticed all of this, King Ferdinand V and Isabella felt that the Jews were taking control of the economy and religion in Spain and decided to take action (Proach, 2009). The main reason as to…show more content…
Appointed as Grand Inquisitor was a monk named Tomas de Torquemada. He was in charge of helping Spain get rid of all heresy. Although the main purpose for the Inquisition was to get rid of all the Jews from Spain, it kept proceeding long after the Jews were gone in 1492. Jews that had not yet converted to Christianity by 1492 were thrown out of Spain by the Alhambra Decree. Unconverted Muslims suffered the same fate in 1502. Having expelled both Jews and Muslims; the Inquisition then turned to their new target around 1540- the Protestants. It wasn’t until 1834 that the Inquisition was thoroughly abolished by the Holy Office of the Inquisition. If all the Jews, Muslims, and even Protestants were taken care around the 1540 then why did the Inquisition last all the way till
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