- 1. The Spanish Inquisition, a notorious institution of the Catholic Church, was established in 1478 by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, primarily aimed at maintaining Catholic orthodoxy in their kingdoms, especially following the Reconquista, which ended in 1492 with the capture of Granada. Unlike previous inquisitions, the Spanish version was characterized by its severe methods, including torture and execution, as it sought to root out heretics, particularly converted Jews (conversos) and Muslims (moriscos) who were suspected of secretly adhering to their former faiths. The Inquisition operated as a powerful tool of state and church, often conflating religious and political motives, leading to widespread fear and persecution. The use of secret trials and the infamous autos-da-fé, public spectacles where sentences were carried out, reinforced its authority and instilled a deep-seated climate of fear among the populace. Over the centuries, the Inquisition expanded its reach to include Protestant reformers, witches, and various other groups considered heretical, becoming a symbol of the clash between faith and reason during a time of significant societal change and upheaval in Europe. Its influence waned in the 18th century, but it was not formally abolished until the 19th century, leaving behind a legacy of terror and controversy that continues to be a subject of historical inquiry and discussion today.
What was the primary purpose of the Spanish Inquisition?
A) To expand Spanish territory
B) To promote Protestantism
C) To maintain Catholic orthodoxy
D) To facilitate trade
- 2. Which monarchs established the Spanish Inquisition?
A) Philip II
B) Charles V
C) Ferdinand and Isabella
D) Henry VIII
- 3. In what year was the Spanish Inquisition established?
A) 1453
B) 1517
C) 1478
D) 1492
- 4. What method was commonly used during the Inquisition for obtaining confessions?
A) Negotiation
B) Torture
C) Financial bribery
D) Hypnosis
- 5. Who was the Grand Inquisitor known for his severity?
A) Inquisitor General
B) Charles V
C) Tomás de Torquemada
D) Ignatius of Loyola
- 6. Which of the following groups were also persecuted by the Inquisition?
A) Pagans
B) Muslims in North Africa
C) Protestants
D) Buddhists
- 7. What was the outcome for most of those convicted by the Inquisition?
A) Acquittal
B) Execution or imprisonment
C) Monetary fines
D) Excommunication
- 8. When was the Spanish Inquisition officially abolished?
A) 1834
B) 1870
C) 1900
D) 1812
- 9. Which group was a primary victim in the early years of the Inquisition?
A) Conversos (Jewish converts to Christianity)
B) Protestants
C) Non-religious
D) Lutherans
- 10. How did the Inquisition impact Spanish society?
A) Increased religious conformity
B) Promoted diversity
C) Encouraged trade
D) Fostered innovation
- 11. Which religious order played a significant role in the Inquisition?
A) The Benedictines
B) The Dominican Order
C) The Jesuits
D) The Franciscans
- 12. What were the trials during the Inquisition primarily conducted for?
A) Heresy
B) Robbery
C) Adultery
D) Treason
- 13. What was a common feature of an Inquisition trial?
A) Secret proceedings
B) Civil court representation
C) Open debates
D) Public jury
- 14. Which country primarily carried out the Spanish Inquisition?
A) France
B) Italy
C) Portugal
D) Spain
- 15. Which event in 1492 relates to the Spanish Inquisition?
A) The start of the Reformation
B) The discovery of America
C) The expulsion of Jews from Spain
D) The end of the Reconquista
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