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Queen Isabella I
Queen of Castile
Spanish monarch who sponsored colonization and the Inquisition
Overview
Isabella I of Castile was Queen of Castile from 1474 and, with her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon, united the Spanish kingdoms. She sponsored Columbus's voyages to the Americas, established the Spanish Inquisition, and ordered the expulsion of Jews from Spain, initiating the colonization and genocide of indigenous peoples across the Americas.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Sponsored Columbus's voyages that led to colonization and genocide of indigenous peoples
Established the Spanish Inquisition (1478) targeting religious minorities
Ordered expulsion of Jews from Spain (Alhambra Decree, 1492)
Authorized enslavement and exploitation of indigenous populations in the Americas
Related Investigations (1)
Known Associates & Connections
Bartolome de las Casas
Spanish friar who documented abuses Isabella's colonization caused
Sources & Documentation
1 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
Education
Key Timeline
1474
Became Queen of Castile
1478
Established the Spanish Inquisition
1492
Sponsored Columbus's first voyage to the Americas
1492
Issued Alhambra Decree expelling Jews from Spain
1493-1504
Sponsored subsequent Columbus voyages, beginning colonization of the Americas