Contradictions of Isabella’s Views and Legacy

Isabella’s goal was to be the most deeply devote Catholic who ever lived and to unify Spain. One way she reformed the Catholic Church was to replace many of the inferior clerics with far more worthy people such as, scholars, historians, and scientist. The main problem with these people they sometimes used their enormous power for corrupt deeds. In Isabella’s quest to unite Spain she told the ruler of Granda if they would surrender she would let them live with religious freedom. They did surrender to Ferdinand and Isabella. However, no long after Isabella contradicted herself on March 30, 1492 when she decided all Jews must convert to Catholicism or leave Spain. Thus she went back on her promise to allow them religious freedom. Isabella felt she could not create a harmonious state with the Jews living in Spain representing a foreign element. She wanted Spain to be a pure Catholic state. She allowed forced confessions, allowing the Jews to be tortured to get these confessions. Another way Isabella contradicted herself was by burning the Arabic books and casting out the Jews. This is a contradiction because she promoted education and the arts but yet she burned books which told the history and she prosecuted people which were not catholic thus hurting the culture of Spain by limiting the diversity of it.

Finally the legacy of Isabella and Ferdinand can be told two different ways. One way they could be described as a murderous regime which wanted to expel all Jews and Moors, so Spain could be a totally catholic state. The other way can be described is one of the greatest monarchs ever. They created an empire for Spain for nearly 500 years. They also are known as champions of the catholic faith. In closing no matter how you see Isabella and Ferdinand they are a very important part of the history of