Seeing as I have to mention a cathedral in nearly every chapter, I thought it would be appropriate to address Spain's Catholic nature. The story begins in 1492, the same one Americans know as the year Columbus discovered America. In Spain, 1492 is known for two other events - the "Reconquista" and the "Expulsión/Inquisición." The "Reconquista" had been an ongoing effort - as in around seven hundred years - to kick those rascally Moors out of Spain. Of course, the Moors had been in Spain for quite a while and occupied a lot of Spain, especially in the South and Andalusia. But, while the Moors had basically become natives and built up Córdoba as one of the most cultural cities in their empire, the Spaniards just weren't having it. Led by legendary heroes like "El Cid" and St. James -who apparently became known as the "Moorslayer" at some point - the Spanish "Reconquista" ended in 1492 with the Catholic Monarchs finally triumphing and pushing out an Islamic influence.
The "Expulsión" and "Inquisición" effort, also supported by the Catholic Monarchs, meant the expulsion of all non-Christians. All Jewish and Islamic citizens were kicked out of the country, while those who stayed behind were forced to convert or killed during the "Inquisición." Removing the other major religions while uniting Spain through the joining of Aragón and Castilla, the "Reyes Católicos" made Spain the Catholic country it currently is. This cheerful story continues with a subsequent chapter titled "Why is Spain a Catholic Country Part II o Caudillo por la Gracia de Dios."
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