Church
I & F wanted to improve Clergy by Reforming Education and Training.
Gained powers from Pope to aid Reform: Right to make all church appointments in Granada and Canaries.
Failed to stop Clergy being tried in special Church Court, where they received a lighter sentence than they would in the Royal Court.
Reforming Clergy
- New colleges set up to educate higher Clergy
- Bishops tried to take action against Clergy who were: Living with women, Not residing at post where they were appointed or wearing unsuitable dress.
- Limited effects, hadn’t really reformed Clergy.
- Crown expected Clergy to play active role in Government, meant they were away from post on Diplomatic Affairs.
- Clergy and Laity resisted change.
Jews and Conversos
- I & F not very concerned, Minority religion.
- Jews excluded from certain professions e.g. Gov. or Army.
- Jobs as farmers, tradesmen or doctors.
1477: I declared all Jews under her protection. - Conversos thought to be falsely converted. I introduces Inquisition.
Spanish Inquisition
Introduced to Castile: 1480, Aragon: 1481.
Thought Conversos secretly practiced Jewish faith, many had been forced converts, Conversos posed threat to Christian Faith.
-Suspected people Arrested, Tried in Secret andUsually Found Guilty.
Punishments: Fine, Property Confiscation or being Burned at the Stake.
Suggested 700 in Seville Burned between 1480-88. Real numbers unknown.
Role of Inquisition extended to: Sexual Misconduct, Witchcraft and Blasphemy.
Expulsion of Jews 1492
Hatred of Jews increased during the reign.
- Policy started in 1482, became official in 1492.
- Said Jews must Convert or Leave.
Expulsion/Conversion of Mudéjars From Castile
More under I & F rule after conquest of Granada. Fears they would ally with Spain’s enemies and invade.
- Tax for being Mudéjar led to revolts in 1495 & 1499.
- Campaign for conversion of all, they were allowed to convert or emigrate. Remaining now known as Moriscos.
Mudéjars only in Aragon. Ferdinand didn’t pursue policies of conversion or expulsion.
