King Manuel I of Portugal, influenced by the political and religious currents of the time, enacted a decree that expelled Jews from Portugal. This decision came in the context of the broader European trend towards the marginalization of Jewish communities, particularly following significant events like the Reconquista in Spain and earlier expulsions in other regions. The economic contributions of the Jewish population, which included merchants, moneylenders, and artisans, were often at odds with the social pressures from the Christian majority that sought to assert dominance in the post-medieval society. Manuel I had initially considered allowing Jews to remain in exchange for their conversion to Christianity, showing a temporary inclination towards coexistence. However, the prolonged pressures from influential clerics and noble factions ultimately led to the implementation of the expulsion order. The aftermath saw thousands of Jews fleeing to other countries or practicing their faith in secret, leading to a significant decline in the Jewish population and culture in Portugal. The event symbolized a broader pattern of intolerance and the impact of religious expeditions against minorities across Europe during that era.