A favorite’s greed for short-term gains could outweigh landlords’ long-term profits from Moriscos

Evidence

The most important development at the end of the century was the espousal by Lerma himself of the policy of expulsion. On February 2, 1599, he submitted a paper on the subject of the Moriscos. Morisco males between fifteen and sixty as Moors (Muslims) were liable to the death penalty (for their treason), and so might legally be enslaved and their property confiscated (Lea 1901, 307, citing Danvila 1889, 233–40). Although Lerma was already Philip’s favorite (valido) and so was inundated in a flow of royal munificence, he was always greedy for more. Contradicting the established view that Moriscos meant profit for their landlords, he could see the potential short-term gains that might accrue from getting rid of them. — L. P. Harvey, Muslims in Spain, 1500 to 1614, 1391 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Money could buy Moriscos respite from persecution but not the ultimate policy’s goal — L. P. Harvey, Muslims in Spain, 1500 to 1614, 523; Reputation building requires sacrificing short-term gains for future returns — Diego Gambetta, Trust - Making and Breaking Cooperative…, 1005; Reputation for honesty is built through costly investment against short-term interests — Diego Gambetta, Trust - Making and Breaking Cooperative…, 1005 (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Expulsion of the Moriscos promised short-term private profit to greedy courtiers. #corroborates (0.95) — L. P. Harvey, Muslims in Spain, 1500 to 1614, 1391