- 1. The unification of Spain under the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, represents a pivotal moment in the country's history, occurring in the late 15th century. This remarkable period began with their marriage in 1469, which effectively merged their two powerful kingdoms and laid the groundwork for a unified Spanish state. Their reign marked significant political and social changes, as they sought to consolidate their power and reduce the influence of the nobility. The Catholic Monarchs initiated a series of military campaigns, most notably the completion of the Reconquista with the conquest of Granada in 1492, which expelled the Moors from Spain and finalized Christian rule over the Iberian Peninsula. Additionally, their strong advocacy for Catholicism led to the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition, aimed at enforcing religious orthodoxy and consolidating national unity under Catholic faith. This era also saw the sponsorship of Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage, which resulted in the discovery of the New World and set the stage for the Spanish Empire's expansion. The unification under the Catholic Monarchs is often viewed as the beginning of modern Spain, as it laid the foundations for a centralized monarchy, greater national identity, and the eventual emergence of Spain as a formidable global power.
Who were the Catholic Monarchs of Spain?
A) Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile
B) Henry IV of Castile
C) Charles I of Spain
D) Philip II of Spain
- 2. What year did Ferdinand and Isabella marry?
A) 1492
B) 1483
C) 1455
D) 1469
- 3. What was a significant outcome of the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella?
A) Independence from France
B) Unification of Spain
C) Alliance with England
D) Colonization of India
- 4. Which event in 1492 is closely associated with the Catholic Monarchs?
A) The completion of the Reconquista
B) The signing of the Treaty of Tordesillas
C) The discovery of America
D) The beginning of the Spanish Inquisition
- 5. What was the primary goal of the Spanish Inquisition?
A) To establish political power
B) To support Protestant Reformation
C) To promote Islam
D) To maintain Catholic orthodoxy
- 6. Who was the main architect of the Spanish Inquisition?
A) Juan de Mariana
B) Fernando Álvarez de Toledo
C) Isabella of France
D) Tomás de Torquemada
- 7. Which explorer was sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs for his voyage in 1492?
A) Christopher Columbus
B) Francisco Pizarro
C) Hernán Cortés
D) Ferdinand Magellan
- 8. What role did the Catholic Monarchs play in the establishment of the Spanish Empire?
A) They prioritized trade with Asia.
B) They opposed exploration.
C) They laid the foundations for exploration and colonization.
D) They focused solely on domestic policy.
- 9. Which of the following was a reason for the Spanish Inquisition?
A) To promote scientific research
B) To educate the public
C) To reform the army
D) To identify and punish heretics
- 10. What significant council did Isabella establish to reform the Spanish Church?
A) The Council of Trent
B) The Vatican Council
C) The Council of the Spanish Inquisition
D) The Council of Basel
- 11. How did the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella impact European politics?
A) It isolated Spain.
B) It had no significant impact.
C) It strengthened the influence of Spain in Europe.
D) It weakened Spain's influence.
- 12. What was the primary focus of Ferdinand and Isabella's foreign policy?
A) Trade agreements with Italy
B) Alliance with France
C) Isolationism
D) Expansion and strengthening of the Spanish monarchy
- 13. Who was the last ruler of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada?
A) Ferdinand III
B) Boabdil
C) Abu Abdallah
D) Alfonso X
- 14. Which religion was predominantly enforced during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs?
A) Protestantism
B) Catholicism
C) Islam
D) Judaism
- 15. In what year did Ferdinand and Isabella complete the Reconquista?
A) 1485
B) 1492
C) 1500
D) 1498
- 16. Which of the following territories did not fall to the Catholic Monarchs?
A) Granada
B) Sicily
C) Navarre
D) Portugal
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