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Study Guide: The Emirate of Granada: History, Culture, and Fall

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The Emirate of Granada: History, Culture, and Fall Study Guide

Founding and Early History of the Emirate of Granada

The Emirate of Granada was established in the 10th century CE.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Emirate of Granada, also known as the Nasrid Kingdom, was established in 1232 CE, not the 10th century.

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The Emirate of Granada primarily covered regions in the northern Iberian Peninsula.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Emirate of Granada was situated in the southern Iberian Peninsula, encompassing regions like modern-day Granada, Almería, and Málaga.

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The Nasrid dynasty was founded by Muhammad V.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Nasrid dynasty was founded by Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar, not Muhammad V, who reigned later.

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Ibn al-Ahmar chose Jaén as his capital due to its strategic defensibility against Christian forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ibn al-Ahmar selected Granada as his capital primarily because of its superior strategic defensibility and proximity to the sea, rather than Jaén.

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Which region did the Emirate of Granada primarily encompass?

Answer: The southern Iberian Peninsula, including modern Málaga.

Explanation: The Emirate of Granada primarily encompassed the southern Iberian Peninsula, comprising regions that largely correspond to the modern Spanish provinces of Granada, Almería, and Málaga.

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Who is credited as the founder of the Nasrid dynasty and the Emirate of Granada?

Answer: Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar

Explanation: Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar is recognized as the founder of the Nasrid dynasty and the Emirate of Granada, establishing the polity in 1232.

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Why did Ibn al-Ahmar ultimately choose Granada as his capital instead of Jaén?

Answer: Granada was more strategically defensible and closer to the sea.

Explanation: Ibn al-Ahmar selected Granada as his capital due to its superior strategic defensibility and its advantageous proximity to the sea, offering better access to maritime trade and potential reinforcements.

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Political Landscape and Diplomacy

Granada consistently maintained its independence without any political ties to Christian kingdoms.

Answer: False

Explanation: Granada frequently existed as a tributary state to the Crown of Castile, paying tribute and maintaining complex political relationships, rather than consistent independence.

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The Treaty of Jaén in 1246 established Granada as a fully independent state, free from Castilian influence.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Treaty of Jaén in 1246 formalized Ibn al-Ahmar's vassalage to Castile, establishing Granada as a tributary state rather than a fully independent one.

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Marinid interventions from North Africa often supported Granada against Castile.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Marinids from North Africa frequently intervened in Iberian affairs, providing military support to Granada at various times, although their involvement was complex and sometimes adversarial.

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The Castilian Civil War led to increased pressure on Granada's borders.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Castilian Civil War provided Granada with a period of relative peace and stability on its frontier, as Castile was preoccupied with internal conflicts.

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What was the typical political relationship between the Emirate of Granada and the Crown of Castile?

Answer: Granada existed as a tributary state, paying tribute to Castile.

Explanation: The Emirate of Granada typically functioned as a tributary state to the Crown of Castile, characterized by a complex dynamic of tribute payments, alliances, and frequent conflicts.

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The Treaty of Jaén in 1246 primarily served to:

Answer: Formalize Ibn al-Ahmar's vassalage to Castile and set political boundaries.

Explanation: The Treaty of Jaén in 1246 formally recognized Ibn al-Ahmar's status as a vassal of Ferdinand III of Castile and delineated the political boundaries of the Emirate, establishing a tributary relationship.

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Which North African dynasty frequently intervened in Iberian affairs, sometimes supporting Granada?

Answer: Marinids

Explanation: The Marinid dynasty from North Africa frequently intervened in the Iberian Peninsula, often providing military support to Granada, although their interventions were complex and had significant geopolitical implications.

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The 'siege mentality' mentioned in the context of Granada refers to:

Answer: The constant defensive posture due to persistent threats.

Explanation: The 'siege mentality' describes the persistent state of defensive vigilance maintained by the Emirate of Granada in response to continuous threats from both Christian kingdoms and North African powers.

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Nasrid Society: Economy, Culture, and Intellectual Life

The famous Alhambra palace complex was constructed during the zenith of Nasrid culture in the 14th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 14th century, particularly under rulers like Muhammad V, represented a cultural apogee for Nasrid Granada, during which significant portions of the Alhambra complex were constructed.

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The population of the Emirate of Granada was predominantly Christian.

Answer: False

Explanation: The population of the Emirate of Granada was predominantly Muslim and Arabic-speaking, with a smaller Jewish minority. Christian presence was minimal and largely transient.

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The 14th century, particularly under Muhammad V, represented a decline for Nasrid culture and architecture.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 14th century, especially under Muhammad V, is considered the zenith of Nasrid culture and architecture, marked by significant artistic and intellectual achievements, including major additions to the Alhambra.

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The economy of the Emirate of Granada relied solely on agriculture.

Answer: False

Explanation: While agriculture was a significant component, the Granadan economy also thrived on specialized trade in high-value goods like sugar and silk, and engaged in extensive commercial networks.

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Medicine was considered a minor field of study in Nasrid Granada compared to astronomy.

Answer: False

Explanation: Medicine was considered the most prominent scientific field of study in Nasrid Granada, alongside other disciplines such as astronomy and mathematics.

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The Alhambra was primarily built as a defensive fortress with minimal architectural ornamentation.

Answer: False

Explanation: While fortified, the Alhambra is renowned for its intricate architectural ornamentation and served as a palatial complex, representing the pinnacle of Nasrid artistic achievement, not merely a defensive structure.

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Poetry was not a significant literary form in Nasrid Granada.

Answer: False

Explanation: Poetry was highly valued and considered the most significant literary form in Nasrid Granada, often integrated into architectural decoration and flourishing under prominent figures.

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Christians within the Emirate of Granada held the same protected *dhimmi* status as Jews.

Answer: False

Explanation: Christians within the emirate did not possess the protected *dhimmi* status afforded to Jews; their presence was generally transient and governed by temporary safe conduct agreements.

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Italian merchants, particularly Genoese, played a minor role in Granada's economy.

Answer: False

Explanation: Italian merchants, especially Genoese traders, played a significant role in Granada's economy, financing its activities and engaging in trade networks that connected it to wider European markets.

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The Madrasa al-Yusufiyya was primarily focused on military training.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Madrasa al-Yusufiyya, established by Yusuf I, served as Granada's first madrasa (college), focusing on Islamic disciplines and medicine, not military training.

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Ibn al-Khatib and Ibn Zamrak were primarily military leaders who rarely engaged in intellectual pursuits.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ibn al-Khatib and Ibn Zamrak were prominent viziers and intellectuals, renowned for their contributions to literature, particularly poetry, and their engagement in intellectual pursuits.

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The Portuguese discovery of direct sea routes to Africa improved Granada's economic standing.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Portuguese maritime advancements diminished Granada's economic importance, particularly concerning its role in the gold trade, by bypassing traditional routes.

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Ibn Khaldun served as a military strategist in the Nasrid court.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ibn Khaldun, a renowned historian and sociologist, served in the Nasrid court but primarily as a scholar and intellectual figure, not as a military strategist.

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The population of the Emirate of Granada was more religiously and linguistically diverse than earlier periods of al-Andalus.

Answer: False

Explanation: The population of the Emirate of Granada was more homogenous, predominantly Muslim and Arabic-speaking, compared to the greater religious and linguistic diversity found in earlier periods of al-Andalus.

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Which iconic architectural complex was constructed during the Nasrid period, symbolizing its cultural achievements?

Answer: The Alhambra palace complex

Explanation: The Alhambra palace complex stands as the most significant architectural legacy of the Nasrids, symbolizing the zenith of their cultural and artistic achievements.

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Which economic activity was a specialty of the Emirate of Granada, alongside agriculture?

Answer: Trading high-value goods like sugar and silk.

Explanation: Beyond intensive agriculture, the Emirate of Granada specialized in the trade of high-value commodities such as sugar and silk, contributing significantly to its economy.

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According to the source, what was the most prominent scientific field studied in Nasrid Granada?

Answer: Medicine

Explanation: Medicine was considered the most prominent scientific field studied in Nasrid Granada, attracting scholars and fostering advanced medical knowledge.

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What is the significance of the Alhambra?

Answer: It is the most famous architectural legacy of the Nasrids, showcasing western Islamic architecture.

Explanation: The Alhambra is the preeminent architectural achievement of the Nasrid dynasty, serving as a testament to their sophisticated artistry and the pinnacle of western Islamic architecture.

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Which literary form was considered the most highly valued in Nasrid Granada?

Answer: Poetry

Explanation: Poetry held the highest cultural value in Nasrid Granada, frequently adorning architectural spaces and being practiced by prominent figures within the court and intellectual circles.

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How did the Portuguese discovery of direct sea routes to sub-Saharan Africa affect Granada's economy?

Answer: Granada's significance as a commercial center for the gold trade diminished.

Explanation: The establishment of direct Portuguese sea routes to sub-Saharan Africa significantly diminished Granada's role as a key commercial hub for the gold trade, altering regional economic dynamics.

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What was the primary characteristic distinguishing the population of the Emirate of Granada from earlier periods of al-Andalus?

Answer: A more homogenous Muslim and Arabic-speaking population.

Explanation: Unlike earlier periods of al-Andalus, the population of the Emirate of Granada was notably more homogenous, consisting predominantly of Muslims and Arabic speakers.

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What was the primary purpose of the Madrasa al-Yusufiyya, founded by Yusuf I?

Answer: To act as Granada's first madrasa (college) for Islamic disciplines and medicine.

Explanation: Founded by Yusuf I in 1349, the Madrasa al-Yusufiyya was Granada's inaugural madrasa, dedicated to teaching Islamic disciplines and medicine, thereby serving as a significant center of higher learning.

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What role did Ibn al-Khatib and Ibn Zamrak play in Nasrid Granada?

Answer: They were prominent viziers and intellectuals, known for their poetry.

Explanation: Ibn al-Khatib and Ibn Zamrak were distinguished viziers and intellectuals who significantly contributed to Nasrid Granada's cultural milieu, particularly through their acclaimed poetry inscribed within the Alhambra.

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The Emirate of Granada's economy was characterized by:

Answer: Intensive agriculture and specialized trade in goods like silk and sugar.

Explanation: The Granadan economy was robust, featuring intensive agricultural practices and specialized trade in high-value commodities such as silk and sugar, complemented by its strategic commercial position.

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Who was Ibn Khaldun in relation to the Nasrid court?

Answer: A renowned historian and sociologist who served in the court.

Explanation: Ibn Khaldun, the eminent historian and sociologist, served within the Nasrid court, contributing to its intellectual life during the reign of Muhammad V.

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What was the consequence of the Portuguese discovery of direct sea routes to sub-Saharan Africa for Granada?

Answer: Granada's significance as a commercial center for the gold trade diminished.

Explanation: The establishment of direct Portuguese maritime routes to sub-Saharan Africa led to a decline in Granada's significance as a commercial nexus for the gold trade.

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Military Affairs and Key Conflicts

The Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212 significantly weakened the Almohad Caliphate's control.

Answer: True

Explanation: The decisive defeat of the Almohads at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212 critically undermined their authority in al-Andalus, paving the way for the establishment of smaller states like Granada.

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The Granadan army primarily consisted of heavily armored infantry.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Granadan army was characterized by its reliance on light cavalry, particularly Zenata Berbers, and infantry, rather than primarily heavily armored infantry.

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The Zenata Berbers formed the core of the Granadan army, serving as light cavalry.

Answer: True

Explanation: Zenata Berbers, often organized as 'Volunteers of the Faith' (Ghazi), constituted a significant component of the Granadan army, functioning effectively as light cavalry.

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The Battle of Rio Salado in 1340 resulted in a decisive victory for the Marinid and Nasrid forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Battle of Rio Salado in 1340 was a decisive defeat for the combined Marinid and Nasrid forces against the Castilian and Portuguese armies.

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The term 'jinete' refers to the elite heavy cavalry units of the Granadan army.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'jinete' refers to light cavalry, specifically derived from the Zenata Berber horsemen who formed a significant part of the Granadan military.

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Cannons were first used in Iberia during the Siege of Algeciras (1342-1344) by Christian forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first recorded use of cannons in Iberia, during the Siege of Algeciras (1342-1344), was by the Muslim defenders, not Christian forces.

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The Battle of the Vega in 1319 was a significant defeat for Granada against Castile.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Battle of the Vega in 1319 was a significant military victory for Granada against the Castilian forces.

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What event significantly weakened the Almohad Caliphate's authority, paving the way for smaller states like Granada?

Answer: The defeat at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212.

Explanation: The Almohad Caliphate's authority was severely weakened following their decisive defeat at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212, which facilitated the fragmentation of Muslim rule and the rise of successor states.

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The term 'Ghazi' in the context of the Granadan military refers to:

Answer: 'Warriors of the Faith', often Berber recruits.

Explanation: In the Granadan military context, 'Ghazi' denoted 'Warriors of the Faith,' typically Zenata Berber recruits who formed a crucial component of the light cavalry.

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The Battle of Rio Salado in 1340 marked:

Answer: The end of significant North African military interventions in Iberia.

Explanation: The Battle of Rio Salado in 1340 resulted in a significant defeat for the combined Marinid and Nasrid forces, effectively curtailing large-scale North African military interventions in the Iberian Peninsula thereafter.

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What military innovation was first recorded in use on the Iberian Peninsula during the Siege of Algeciras (1342-1344)?

Answer: Gunpowder cannons

Explanation: Gunpowder cannons were first recorded in use on the Iberian Peninsula during the Siege of Algeciras (1342-1344), employed by the Muslim defenders.

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What does the term 'jinete' refer to in the context of the Granadan military?

Answer: Light cavalry, derived from the Zenata people.

Explanation: The term 'jinete' denotes light cavalry, specifically referring to the highly mobile Berber horsemen, predominantly Zenata, who were integral to the Granadan military structure.

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What was the significance of the Battle of the Vega in 1319?

Answer: It was a major military victory for Granada against the Castilians.

Explanation: The Battle of the Vega in 1319 represented a significant military triumph for Granada, demonstrating its capacity to decisively defeat Castilian forces.

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What happened to Algeciras after its recapture by the Marinids?

Answer: It was destroyed by Muhammad V in 1369 and its territory attached to Gibraltar.

Explanation: Following its recapture by the Marinids and subsequent capture by Castile, Algeciras was destroyed by Muhammad V in 1369, with its territory subsequently annexed to Gibraltar.

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The Decline and Fall of Granada

Granada was the last independent Muslim state in Western Europe.

Answer: True

Explanation: The fall of Granada in 1492 marked the end of the last independent Muslim state in Western Europe.

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The union of Castile and Aragon under the Catholic Monarchs in 1479 had little impact on Granada's political situation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The unification of Castile and Aragon under Isabella I and Ferdinand II in 1479 created a formidable Christian power that significantly altered Granada's political landscape, ultimately leading to its conquest.

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The Granada War lasted for approximately one year.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Granada War, which concluded with the fall of the emirate, spanned approximately ten years, from 1482 to 1492.

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Muhammad XII, known as Boabdil, surrendered Granada to the Catholic Monarchs in 1492.

Answer: True

Explanation: Muhammad XII, commonly known as Boabdil, was the last emir of Granada and formally surrendered the city to Ferdinand and Isabella in January 1492.

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The Banu Sarraj (Abencerrajes) were known for their role in stabilizing the Nasrid dynasty.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Banu Sarraj (Abencerrajes) were a powerful family whose internal rivalries and conflicts significantly contributed to the political instability and decline of the Nasrid dynasty.

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The capture of Alhama de Granada in 1482 was a minor event in the Granada War.

Answer: False

Explanation: The capture of Alhama de Granada in 1482 was a pivotal event and a significant turning point in the Granada War, marking a major strategic gain for the Christian forces.

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The year 1479 was significant because it marked the final conquest of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs.

Answer: False

Explanation: The year 1479 marked the unification of Castile and Aragon under the Catholic Monarchs, which significantly increased the pressure on Granada and initiated the final phase leading to its conquest, but not the conquest itself.

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What major political development in 1479 significantly increased the threat to the Emirate of Granada?

Answer: The unification of Castile and Aragon under the Catholic Monarchs.

Explanation: The unification of Castile and Aragon under Isabella I and Ferdinand II in 1479 consolidated Christian power, eliminating Granada's ability to play kingdoms against each other and intensifying the threat of conquest.

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The Granada War, which led to the fall of the emirate, spanned approximately how many years?

Answer: 10 years

Explanation: The Granada War, a protracted conflict culminating in the emirate's fall, lasted approximately ten years, from 1482 to 1492.

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Who was Muhammad XII, also known as Boabdil?

Answer: The last emir of Granada who surrendered in 1492.

Explanation: Muhammad XII, known by the epithet Boabdil, was the final emir of Granada, presiding over its surrender to the Catholic Monarchs in 1492.

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Who were the Banu Sarraj (Abencerrajes)?

Answer: A powerful family whose rivalries contributed to instability.

Explanation: The Banu Sarraj, known as the Abencerrajes in Spanish sources, constituted a powerful aristocratic family whose internal feuds and power struggles significantly destabilized the Nasrid dynasty.

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The capture of which city in February 1482 marked a significant turning point in the Granada War?

Answer: Alhama de Granada

Explanation: The capture of Alhama de Granada in February 1482 by Christian forces represented a critical turning point in the Granada War, breaching the emirate's defenses.

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What was the primary impact of the unification of Castile and Aragon under Isabella I and Ferdinand II on Granada?

Answer: It consolidated Christian power, ending Granada's ability to play kingdoms against each other and initiating its final conquest.

Explanation: The unification of Castile and Aragon under the Catholic Monarchs created a formidable, unified Christian front that effectively ended Granada's diplomatic leverage and initiated the final phase of its conquest.

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The Morisco Period and Legacy

The terms of surrender in 1491 guaranteed the immediate expulsion of all Muslims from Granada.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial terms of surrender, outlined in the Treaty of Granada, guaranteed certain rights and protections to the Muslim population who chose to remain, not immediate expulsion.

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After 1492, all Muslims who remained in Granada were immediately forced to convert to Christianity.

Answer: False

Explanation: While conversion and expulsion policies were later implemented, the initial terms of surrender did not mandate immediate forced conversion for all remaining Muslims.

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Philip II of Spain encouraged the preservation of Morisco culture and language.

Answer: False

Explanation: Philip II implemented policies aimed at suppressing Morisco culture, language, and customs, rather than encouraging their preservation.

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The expulsion of the Moriscos in 1609 was primarily driven by fears of Ottoman invasion.

Answer: True

Explanation: Fears of potential invasion by Ottoman or Moroccan forces, utilizing Granada as a base, were a primary motivation behind the expulsion of the Moriscos in 1609.

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What was initially guaranteed to the Muslim population remaining in Granada after the surrender in 1491?

Answer: Certain rights and protections.

Explanation: The initial terms of surrender stipulated that the Muslim population remaining in Granada would be granted certain rights and protections, although these were later eroded.

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What was the primary reason for the decrees issued by Philip II against the Moriscos?

Answer: To suppress their distinct identity, language, and customs.

Explanation: Philip II's decrees against the Moriscos were primarily aimed at suppressing their unique cultural and religious identity, prohibiting the use of Arabic, traditional clothing, and customs.

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Which of the following was NOT a measure taken by Philip II against the Moriscos?

Answer: Encouraging traditional Morisco celebrations.

Explanation: Philip II implemented stringent measures to suppress Morisco identity, including prohibitions on their language, clothing, and customs; he did not encourage their celebrations.

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The expulsion of the Moriscos in 1609 was primarily motivated by:

Answer: Fears of potential invasion by Ottoman or Moroccan forces using Granada as a base.

Explanation: The primary impetus for the 1609 expulsion of the Moriscos stemmed from anxieties regarding potential Ottoman or Moroccan invasions, with Granada perceived as a vulnerable staging point.

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