The Spanish Inquisition

The Spanish Inquisition

Works Cited Missing

The Spanish Inquisition is known for the terror it caused the

inhabitants of the Iberian peninsula. Although the Inquisition

originally began to purify the nation from heretics, it came to have

more materialistic, racial, and political motives, instead of just

purification. The beginning of the Inquisition is generally credited

to the reign of Ferdinand V and Isabella. In truth, it began before

that time, and carried on long after Ferdinand and Isabella passed

away. In order to better understand the Inquisition and the reasons

behind it, it is necessary to first examine the events that led up to

it.

The Jewish people are often associated with wealth and with being a

plague to the society to which they belong. Fourteenth-century Spain

was no different. In the city of Seville, there was an archdeacon

named Martinez who continually tried to incite the people to purge

themselves of the "dirty" Jewish citizens. After several reproaches by

the Spanish Cardinal and the Pope, Martinezfinally succeeded. On Ash

Wednesday (March 15,1391), Martinez incited his congregation to riot.

The crowd moved enmasse towards the Juderia (Jewish quarter). Some of

the participants were captured by the police and flogged or beaten,

but that was not enough to stop the mob. Although they did not succeed