What was the significance of the Spanish Inquisition in the context of religious persecution? 🔊
The Spanish Inquisition, initiated in 1478, was significant for its role in enforcing Catholic orthodoxy and eradicating heresy, particularly against Jews and Muslims in Spain. It facilitated the persecution and expulsion of non-Catholic populations, contributing to a climate of fear and repression. The Inquisition maintained power through torture and public trials, impacting thousands of lives. It symbolized the intertwining of church and state, promoting a strict religious conformity that shaped Spanish society for centuries. The Inquisition's legacy also influenced religious intolerance across Europe and demonstrated the lengths to which authorities were willing to go to maintain control over religious beliefs.


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