How did the reconquista lead to the age of exploration?
A. It motivated France to try to get ahead of Spain and Portugal in the exploration
B. It made Italy strong enough to push Beyond Europe
C. It started a crusade against the Ottoman Empire
D. It made Spain strong enough to push outward from Europe after centuries of War
D. It made Spain strong enough to push outward from Europe after centuries of War
The Reconquista refers to the centuries-long process of Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly Spain, gradually pushing back and eventually expelling the Muslim Moors. The successful completion of the Reconquista in 1492, with the conquest of Granada, made Spain a united and powerful nation.
This newfound strength and unity, combined with a sense of religious zeal, played a significant role in Spain's decision to support and sponsor expeditions of exploration. The Catholic Monarchs, King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile, directed their attention and resources toward funding voyages of discovery. They believed that these ventures would not only expand Spanish influence but also spread Christianity to new lands.
As a result, Spain became the leading European power during the Age of Exploration. Spanish explorers such as Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and Hernán Cortés undertook ambitious voyages that opened up new sea routes, discovered new lands, and established extensive overseas colonies. The wealth and resources brought back from these expeditions greatly contributed to Spain's rise as a dominant global power in the 16th century.
D. It made Spain strong enough to push outward from Europe after centuries of war.
The Reconquista refers to the long struggle by Christian kingdoms in Spain to retake territory from the Muslim Moors. This conflict, which lasted from the 8th to the 15th century, finally resulted in the complete expulsion of Muslims from the Iberian Peninsula.
As a result of the Reconquista, Spain emerged as a unified and powerful nation. The centuries of warfare against the Moors had honed their military capabilities, improved their technologies, and developed their naval prowess. This newfound strength and unity provided a solid foundation for Spain to embark on the Age of Exploration.
With a strong military and increased resources, Spain had the means to fund and support ambitious voyages of exploration. The Spanish monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, sponsored the voyages of Christopher Columbus, who famously discovered the Americas in 1492. This marked the beginning of Spain's extensive exploration and colonization efforts.
In summary, the Reconquista paved the way for the Age of Exploration by making Spain strong enough to venture beyond Europe after centuries of war.