Was the Spanish Inquisition Politically, Socially, or Religiously Essay

Was the Spanish Inquisition Politically, Socially, or Religiously Motivated - Essay Example The Spanish Inquisition started in 1478 by the Catholic monarchs of Spain, Ferdinand II and Isabella I, by the promulgation of the Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition. It was not officially abolished till 1834. As a result of the said Inquisition, many people had their properties confiscated, and were tortured, maimed and even murdered, all in the name of religion. It was an effort on the part of the monarchs to ensure that Christianity became the only religion in their kingdom. Thereby not only were the Jews and Muslims living within the Spanish realm forced to convert to Christianity on pain of death, but it was ensured that the new converts stuck to the orthodox beliefs and did not revert to their â€Å"pagan† ways of before. But just what was the real motivation behind the Inquisition has been a topic of debate for many over the years. The various possible motivations include political, socio-economic, and, of course, religious. According to those who put forward the political motivation theory, the main reason behind the introduction of Inquisition was that the monarchs wanted to increase their political authority throughout Spain and ensure that their writ was followed. Thus, they ensured, through torture or a threat thereof, that their political authority was established.