July 31, 1492
Alhambra Decree Takes Effect
Historical context
On this day, July 31, 1492, the Alhambra Decree’s deadline arrived. Jews in Spain had to leave or convert, or face death.
Archive record
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- Date
- July 31, 1492
- Verified sources
- 2
- Archive threads
- 3
On this day, the deadline set by the Alhambra Decree arrived. Issued on March 31, 1492, by Ferdinand and Isabella, the edict required Jews in the Crowns of Castile and Aragon to leave or convert. Those who remained as Jews faced death and the confiscation of their property.
The monarchs gave Jews until the end of July to depart. Spain later treated the edict as already abrogated by later law. A Spanish government publicly rescinded it in December 1968.
Research trail
Sources and further reading
- The Expulsion from Spain, 1492 CE · Jacob Marcus / Internet History Sourcebooks Project · Fordham University Internet History Sourcebooks View source
- Spanish Government Formally Rescinds 1492 Decree Ordering Expulsion of Jews · Jewish Telegraphic Agency · Jewish Telegraphic Agency (1968-12-17) View source
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