The Reconquista: Shaping the Spanish Character through Medieval Wealth and Labor
This brief exploration of Medieval Spain emphasizes the significance of the Reconquista, a prolonged conflict that profoundly shaped the Spanish identity. Beginning in Galicia, the process had a vital economic impact, highlighted by the introduction of African sheep breeds around 1350, which tripled local wool production and fueled the Mesta's wealth. The enduring trade routes established are still in use today by farmers and herders. This discussion delves into the Spanish perceptions of wealth as gold or land and views labor as a form of warfare, providing rich insights into historical perspectives.
The Reconquista: Shaping the Spanish Character through Medieval Wealth and Labor
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Presentation Transcript
THE FIRST THING WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND IS THE RECONQUISTA
This was a long and bloody process which unequivocally forged what we can call the “Spanish Character” Galicia was the starting point
Cute, huh? This variety produces three times the local breeds It was brought from Africa around 1350. It made the Mesta a money machine.
Even today, the same routes are used by farmers and herders!
The results of all of this can be seen here: • How does the Spaniard see wealth? • Wealth is gold or land 2. How does the Spaniard see labor? a. Labor is war 3. I hope you can see some of this in your readings
