The term refers to the joint reign of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, whose marriage in 1469 politically unified Spain. Their rule is significant for completing the Reconquista, expelling Jews and Muslims, and sponsoring Christopher Columbus’s voyages. A key example is the Edict of Expulsion in 1492, which forced many to convert to Christianity or leave Spain.
Their reign holds considerable importance for APUSH students because it marks a pivotal moment in European history, significantly impacting global exploration and colonization. Understanding their policies and actions is crucial to comprehending the context of Spanish expansion into the Americas, the Columbian Exchange, and the development of Spanish colonial society. Their consolidation of power also shaped the trajectory of European nation-states.
