unit 1 cause and effect

The unification of Spain by the marriage of Isabella and Ferdinand in the late 15th century, created strong, deeply religious and ruthless new country which had the means and the mindset to explore and conquer the Americas. The marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella united Aragon and Castile creating a new great European power. Staunch Catholics the two monarchs immediately reinstated the reconquest against the Muslim populations of Spain. This resulted in a tottaly catholic fervernetly religious nation. It also resulted in a population of militaristic men obsessed with attaining glory. Bailey’s states “With the reconquista ended some of these men turned their restless gaze to Spain’s New World frontier.” It was these men who became known as the conquistadors and who were responsible for the conquering of much of the Americas. As this new nation became powerful it became a rival of Portugal. With Portugal taking the African route to Asia. Spain was pressured to find another equally as profitable trade route with the Asia. Along with competitions as a motive this newly united country also had the wealth necessary to fund expeditions such Columbus’s, who they outfitted with three ships. Isabella and Ferdinand marriage created a country that had the wealth, unity, motive and culture necessary for the conquering of the Americas.