In 1492, the Alhambra Decree was signed in Spain, evicting all Jews from the country. In 1492, Columbus discovered America. What if the Decree was somehow delayed, and the Decree ended up sending all the Jews over there? Would the rest of Europe follow? What would Jewish colonisation of the Americas look like, up to the present day?
Colonisation of the Americas in the traditional sense began only i nthe 15th century. Before that it was just trading and raiding parties organised by Spain etc.
Spain's empire- the first- was not colony driven. It was driven by small bands of conquistadors and jesuits seeking plunder and converts (or both). Colonialism was popular in N. America (Jamestown was a whole community instead of just a few administrators) but not so much with Spain; moreso with England and France.
However, it could be said that a large population moving away from religious persecution might turn to the edges of the earth. However, the Jews had far better connections in Europe. THere was a large Jewish community in Constantinople and the Ottomans were very tolerant of the Jews many of whom moved there. The fact is is that Europe had more:
1. Communications- it was easier to get ot Constantinople than America
2. Wealth. As mostly urban-based, the Jewish community were eequired by law to engage inonly a few professions (most notably money-lending).
3. Urban areas. Same as above- Spanish law fobade Jews to take up agriculture. Any Jewish colonists would HAVE to be farmers and therefore break the law.
Furthermore, America was fairly inhospitable at the time. The conquistadors suffered from disease and the natives weren't too friendly either (apart from the Aztecs vut they were duped into thinking Cortez was a god). A small Jewish colony in, say, Mexico, would not be greeted too well.
Therefore, Jewish colonisation of the New World in the 15th century is very unlikely: although
possibly Isabella of Spain
may, if she was feeling particularly cruel, and proclaimed the Alhambra DEcree in the 15th century, she
may force the Jews to America. However, this faces the logistical problems as above. Far easier to send them to Constantinople or the Holy Roman Empire. Far more appealing to Isabella and the Jews (not saying eviction was nice, but I'd rather make my way in Constantinople or E. Europe than try and colonise a continent with only my friends and family).