On March 31, 1492 the rulers of Spain began to expel Jews from Spain.[1]
Before that occurred, that same year, King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castille had freed Spain from Muslim rule when they conquered Granada.[2] Shortly after, the monarchs has managed to unify Spain as one kingdom; they then issued a mandate to expel all Jews from Spain.[3] This mandate was called the Alhambra Decree.[4]. Jews were allowed to remain in Spain only until the end of the month of July.[5]. Many died while trying to reach refuge elsewhere.[6] Of those who survived, many lost their land and/or possessions in the process of staying alive.[7] There has never been a significant Jewish population in Spain since, with an estimated current Jewish population of less than 0.2 percent.[8]
[1] “Spain announces it will expel all Jews,” History.com editors, History, (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/spain-announces-it-will-expel-all-jews : accessed 31 March 2021), para. 1.
[2] “Spain announces it will expel all Jews,” History.com editors, History, (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/spain-announces-it-will-expel-all-jews : accessed 31 March 2021), para. 1.
[3] “Spain announces it will expel all Jews,” History.com editors, History, (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/spain-announces-it-will-expel-all-jews : accessed 31 March 2021), para. 1.
[4] “Spain announces it will expel all Jews,” History.com editors, History, (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/spain-announces-it-will-expel-all-jews : accessed 31 March 2021), para. 1.
[5] “Spain announces it will expel all Jews,” History.com editors, History, (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/spain-announces-it-will-expel-all-jews : accessed 31 March 2021), para. 3.
[6] “Spain announces it will expel all Jews,” History.com editors, History, (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/spain-announces-it-will-expel-all-jews : accessed 31 March 2021), para. 3.
[7] “Spain announces it will expel all Jews,” History.com editors, History, (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/spain-announces-it-will-expel-all-jews : accessed 31 March 2021), para. 3.
[8] “Spain announces it will expel all Jews,” History.com editors, History, (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/spain-announces-it-will-expel-all-jews : accessed 31 March 2021), para. 4.