In this research paper, I will discuss about the Jews in Spain during the early 1300’s through 1492. During this time in Spain, many Jews where treated horribly and most of them had to convert to Christianity. I will discuss some reasons why the Jews had to converted to Christianity. Also, I will discuss about the way they were treated and there way of life after they were converted to Christianity. I’ve picked this topic for my research paper because one of my grandmothers was born in Spain. I really don’t know much about her ancestors and there could be a possibility that her ancestors converted to Christianity.
In the 1300’s, Jews in Spain were considered Spaniards. About 120 Jewish communities were established in Spain around the 1300’s. The Jews were mostly in the money business that procured them their wealth and influence. They had real estate, filled public offices, and cultivated their own lands. Anyone that needed money could only go to the Jews and had to pay them form 20 to 25 percent in interest. These included kings, prelates, noblemen, and farmers. But the Jews had to pay many taxes that had been imposed upon them (History of the Jews in Spain).
Around the beginning of the fourteenth century, anti-Semitism was increasing throughout Spain. Pedro I, known as “the Cruel”, because he was favorably disposed toward the Jews and under him reached the zenith of their influence. In 1350, Pedro I ascended the throne and he surrounded himself with the Jews. On May 7, 1355, Henry de Trastamara and his brother invaded the Juderia of Toledo. They murdered about 12,000 people regarding age or sex. The Jews however where reinforced by a number of Toledan noblemen and defended themselves. Pedro’s half-brother invaded Castile in 1360 and murdered the Jews living in Najera because Pedro protected them and showed that he cared for them. Many Jews remained loyal to Pedro and fought bravely in his army. When Pedro called on the king of Granada...