The significance of the Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478, lay in its role as a powerful tool for religious, political, and social control in Spain. Aimed primarily at ensuring Catholic orthodoxy among newly converted Jews and Muslims, the Inquisition is infamous for its harsh methods, including torture and execution, to root out heresy. It solidified the Catholic Church's influence over Spanish society and politics, contributing to the creation of a unified and homogenous Spanish identity. Moreover, its legacy of fear and repression has provided a cautionary tale about the dangers of ideological conformity and state-sponsored persecution.