How did the fall of Granada influence Spain’s national identity?

The fall of Granada solidified Spain's national identity by unifying the country under Catholic rule and sparking the Age of Exploration.

The fall of Granada in 1492 marked the end of the Reconquista, a period of nearly 800 years during which Christian kingdoms in the north of the Iberian Peninsula sought to reclaim territory from the Muslim Moors. This event was significant in shaping Spain's national identity as it led to the unification of the country under Catholic rule. The Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, had made it their mission to unite Spain under one religion. The fall of Granada, the last Muslim stronghold, symbolised the completion of this mission and the birth of a unified, Catholic Spain.

Moreover, the fall of Granada also marked the beginning of Spain's Age of Exploration. The same year Granada fell, the Catholic Monarchs sponsored Christopher Columbus's voyage to the New World. This marked the beginning of Spain's expansion into the Americas, which would eventually lead to the establishment of one of the largest empires in history. The Age of Exploration not only brought wealth and power to Spain, but also a sense of national pride and identity. Spain was no longer just a collection of kingdoms on the Iberian Peninsula, but a global power with territories spanning continents.

Furthermore, the fall of Granada had a profound impact on Spain's cultural identity. The blending of Christian and Muslim traditions during the Reconquista had created a unique culture in Spain, particularly in Andalusia. However, with the fall of Granada and the subsequent expulsion of the Jews and Muslims, Spain sought to establish a more homogeneous, Catholic identity. This led to the suppression of non-Christian traditions and the promotion of Catholic ones, shaping Spain's cultural identity for centuries to come.

In conclusion, the fall of Granada played a pivotal role in shaping Spain's national identity. It marked the end of the Reconquista and the beginning of a unified, Catholic Spain. It sparked the Age of Exploration, turning Spain into a global power. And it influenced Spain's cultural identity, leading to the suppression of non-Christian traditions and the promotion of Catholic ones.