The Spanish Jews who converted to Catholicism were primarily known as Conversos.
Understanding Conversos
A Converso (plural: Conversos) literally refers to someone who was formerly Jewish and subsequently adopted Catholicism. This term specifically describes a significant population in Spain during the late Middle Ages and early modern period, representing individuals who transitioned from Judaism to Christianity.
The Era of Mass Conversions
Spain was home to an enormous Jewish community throughout the Middle Ages, thriving culturally and economically. However, towards the end of the 14th century, a dramatic shift occurred. Large numbers of these Spanish Jews converted to Catholicism, particularly following waves of anti-Jewish violence and pogroms that swept through the Iberian Peninsula, notably in 1391. This period marked a significant turning point, fundamentally altering the religious and social landscape of Spain.
Motivations for Conversion
The motivations for these conversions were diverse and complex, driven by "all kinds of reasons." These can generally be categorized as follows:
| Motivation | Description |
|---|---|
| Forced Conversion | Many individuals were compelled to convert under duress, facing threats of violence, death, or expulsion during periods of intense persecution. |
| Social & Economic Pressure | Conversion offered a means to avoid widespread discrimination, retain property, maintain social standing, or access professional opportunities that were increasingly restricted to non-Christians. |
| Genuine Belief | While less common during periods of mass forced conversions, some individuals or families may have sincerely embraced Catholicism. |
These new Christians often faced deep suspicion from the "Old Christians" (those with generations of Catholic lineage) and became the primary focus of the Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478. The Inquisition's main objective was to investigate and punish heresy, with a particular emphasis on Conversos suspected of secretly continuing to practice Judaism.
Legacy and Impact
The phenomenon of Conversos had a profound and lasting impact on Spanish society, culture, and religious identity. Their complex position within society, caught between their Jewish heritage and their new Christian identity, led to centuries of social tension. This ultimately played a pivotal role in the religious policies of the Spanish monarchs, including the Alhambra Decree of 1492, which ordered the expulsion of all remaining unconverted Jews from Spain.
