What was the primary significance of the Reconquista in Spain?

The primary significance of the Reconquista in Spain was that it marked the Christian kingdoms' efforts to regain control of the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule. This campaign spanned several centuries, culminating in 1492 when Granada, the last Muslim stronghold, was captured by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. The completion of the Reconquista not only unified Spain under Christian rule but also played a crucial role in the formation of a national identity, setting the stage for Spain to emerge as a major power in Europe and the world during the Age of Exploration. The significance extends beyond military victories; it influenced social, cultural, and political aspects of Spanish life.

While the other options mention events and developments that occurred within the broader context of the Reconquista, they do not capture its primary significance. The establishment of the Spanish Inquisition was a consequence of the Reconquista, aiming to maintain Catholic orthodoxy. The spread of feudalism was part of the social structure during the medieval period, not a direct result of the Reconquista itself. The introduction of Renaissance art occurred later, influenced by various factors, including the contact with other cultures, and although it was significant in Spain, it is not the central outcome of the Reconquista.