Francisco Bethencourt on the History of the New Christian Trading Elite in the Early Modern Period

In 1492, Spain's Alhambra Decree forced Jews to convert to Christianity or face expulsion, leading many to become conversos. Portugal issued a similar edict in 1496. Driven by a desire for religious homogeneity, these measures led to persistent discrimination based on Jewish ancestry. How did this new group of New Christians defend their interests and thrive in economic and social spheres, building connections with Europe, Africa, and the Americas? Today, we talk with Dr. Bethencourt about his new book, "Strangers Within: The Rise and Fall of the New Christian Trading Elite."