The Reconquista was a period in history, lasting from the 8th to the late 15th century, when Christian kingdoms in Spain fought to take back land from Muslim rulers who had controlled much of the Iberian Peninsula.
Purpose: The main goal of the Reconquista was to reclaim Christian lands and unite Spain under one Christian rule.
Outcome: The Reconquista ended in 1492 when the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, captured Granada, the last Muslim kingdom in Spain.
Effects: The Reconquista led to the unification of Spain, the spread of Christianity, and a decrease in religious tolerance, as many Muslims and Jews were forced to convert or leave. It also set the stage for Spain to become a major world power, leading to Columbus's voyage to the Americas later that same year.