How did the Alhambra Decree alter demographics in Spain?

The Alhambra Decree significantly altered Spain's demographics by expelling all Jews who refused to convert to Christianity.

The Alhambra Decree, also known as the Edict of Expulsion, was issued on 31 March 1492 by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella. This decree ordered the expulsion of practising Jews from the Kingdoms of Castile and Aragon and their territories and possessions by 31 July of that same year. The primary aim of this decree was to eliminate the influence of practising Jews on Spain's large converso population, ensuring they did not revert to Judaism.

The demographic impact of the Alhambra Decree was significant. It is estimated that between 130,000 and 800,000 Jews were expelled from Spain as a result of the decree. This represented a substantial proportion of the total population, which was around 7 million at the time. The expulsion led to a significant decrease in the Jewish population in Spain, which had been one of the largest and most prosperous Jewish communities in the world.

The expelled Jews, known as Sephardim, dispersed across the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, and other parts of Europe. This diaspora significantly altered the demographics of these regions as well. For instance, the Ottoman Empire, which welcomed the Sephardim, saw a significant increase in its Jewish population.

In Spain, the expulsion of the Jews led to a shift in the religious and cultural landscape. The absence of the Jewish community, which had played a significant role in Spanish society and economy, led to changes in various sectors, including trade, finance, medicine, and academia. The expulsion also intensified the homogenisation of religious practices and beliefs in Spain, reinforcing the dominance of Catholicism.

In conclusion, the Alhambra Decree had a profound impact on the demographics of Spain and other regions. It led to the near-elimination of the Jewish population in Spain and the dispersion of the Sephardim across the Mediterranean and beyond. This not only altered the religious and cultural makeup of Spain but also reshaped the demographics of many other regions.