... the Spaniards for many years but ultimately led to a monumental lack of initiative and freedom of choice among the people of Spain. As a result of the Crusades and the Reconquest of Spain, Medieval Spain was a nation inhabited by various people who spoke different languages, were governed by different laws, and believed in different religions. The central theme in the history of medieval Spain-or, more accurately, of the separate kingdoms Spain comprised-was disunity and plurality. The various peoples who lived in the Iberian Peninsula lacked a common cultural tradition.2 While this mixture of different groups provided Spain with rich diversity, it caused authorities to crave unification for the country. The presence of Muslims and Jews were beginning to affect the course of Spanish society. The number of Jewish individuals, in particular, was considerable. And due to their commercial capabilities, they acquired wealth and influence.3 Many authorities believed that the ...

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