Spain
SPAIN Expulsion of Muslims and Jews living in Spain Reconquista: pushed Muslim influence out of Spain by reconquering Spain from the Muslims Exploration: Christopher Columbus; Ferdinand Magellan Unification of Spain under Ferdinand and Isabella; strengthening of centralization and authority of the monarchy Inquisition: persecution of non-Catholics in Spain Established colonies in the Americas and the Pacific Ocean Economy: rise in wealth with acquisition of colonies; inflation from gold and silver brought into Spain by Spanish conquistadors; eventual decline in wealth as Spanish monarchs and nobles don?t invest money in Spain, but rather spend it on luxury goods @Caribbean: first land claims; Columbus