Video - The Spanish Inquisition: A Tale of Power and Persecution
The Rise and Fall of the Spanish Inquisition In 1478, Ferdinand and Isabella established the Spanish Inquisition, a powerful force that sought to maintain religious unity by rooting out heresy across Spain. Initially intended to target Jews and Muslims who had converted to Christianity but were suspected of secretly practicing their old religions, it quickly expanded to include anyone suspected of defying Catholic doctrine. As the Inquisition gained power, it spread fear and torture, leaving a trail of ruined lives. Thousands were accused, and many were executed or imprisoned. But in the 16th century, the Inquisition began to lose its grip as Spain’s monarchy weakened, and Europe’s religious landscape began to change. By the 18th century, the Spanish Inquisition was abolished, but its legacy of fear, power, and religious persecution is still felt today, marking one of the darkest chapters in Spanish history