What was the original purpose of Spanish Iquisition?

The Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478, was originally intended to root out heresy and maintain religious uniformity within the newly unified Spain.

Here's a breakdown of its initial purpose:

* Religious Purity: After the Reconquista (the reconquest of Spain from the Moors), the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, were eager to create a religiously unified Spain. They saw the threat of heresy, including Judaism and "New Christians" (converts from Judaism), as a destabilizing force.

* Political Control: The Inquisition also served as a tool for political control. It was used to persecute those who opposed the monarchy or its policies.

* Social Order: The Inquisition enforced social order by punishing those who were deemed to be a threat to the established social hierarchy.

It's important to note that the Spanish Inquisition significantly deviated from its original purpose over time. It became increasingly brutal and oppressive, ultimately persecuting not just heretics but also anyone deemed to be a threat to the established power structure, including Jews, Muslims, and even members of the Catholic clergy.

The Inquisition's legacy is a dark one, marked by torture, executions, and the suppression of free thought. It's essential to study its history to understand the complexities of religious intolerance, political power, and social control.