The Spanish Inquisition
religious Justice or Torture?
What is the Spanish Inquisition?
The Spanish Inquisition refers to a court system used by the Catholic Church and some Catholic monarchs in order to find and punish heretics. In this case, the Spanish Inquisition was also used as a force for conversion. It was one of many Inquisitions that occurred between the 12th and 19th century.
Background
The Spanish Inquisition was founded in 1478 by Ferdinand and Isabella. During this period, religious freedom did not exist in Spain or its territories. The monarchs wanted to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in their kingdoms as well as to ensure the converts following Catholic law.
What did the Spanish Inquisition do?
At first, the Church gave non-Catholics a choice: either to convert, or leave the country and sell your land. Non-Catholics who did not convert or leave the country would be tortured. If they still did not agree to convert, they would be killed.
How did the Spanish Inquisition torture heretics?
Thumb Screw
Crush someone's fingers or toes.
Heretics Fork
The victim will feel extreme pain until they acknowledge their guilt.
Pear of Anguish
Caused a lot of internal damage.
What was the effect of the Spanish Inquisition?
One of the consequences of the Spanish Inquisition was the massive conversion of the Jews. Prior to this day, conversions were rare and more motivated by social than religious reasons. By converting, Jews did not only escape the harsh persecution, but they also had entry into many offices and posts that were prohibited to them.
Citation
"How the Spanish Inquisition Worked." HowStuffWorks. N.p., 05 Feb. 2008. Web. 02 Feb. 2016.
"Spanish Inquisition." - New World Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2016.
"Spanish Inquisition | Spanish History [1478-1834]." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2016.
"Spanish Inquisition." - History of the. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2016.