SECOND SEMESTER TOPIC COVERAGE SY 2023-2024 Trends, Networks, and Critical Th...
Student Work Sample: The Spanish Inquisition
1. The Spanish Inquisition Welcome to a period of death. A time where freedom of religion does not exist.
2. Inquisition: Term Meaning The Spanish Inquisition was one of many Inquisitions that occurred between the 12th and 19th century. The word "inquisition" refers to a court system used by both the Catholic Church and some Catholic monarchs to find and punish heretics. Heretics were baptized members of the Church who had opinions different then the Church and non-Catholics who converted to keep themselves from danger, but never having Catholic beliefs.
3. Background The Spanish Inquisition was founded in 1478 by Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. During this period of time, freedom of religion did not exist in Spain or its territories. The monarchs wanted to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in their kingdoms. They wanted to ensure the converts follow Catholic law. Tomas de Torquemada The Inquisition was not abolished until 1833. Death toll- 3500 to 5000 people.
4. At first, the Church gave non-Catholics a choice: convert, or leave the country and sell your land. Non- Catholics who did not convert nor left the country would be tortured. If they still did not agree to convert, they would be killed. The Church was also after adulterers, “witches”, and non-orthodox Catholics.
5. Procedures 1) Accusation (Edict of Grace)- An Inquisitor would read a list of possible heresies and encourage citizens to confess to the heresies they committed. If you admitted to a crime in the first moth, there would be no severe punishment. Also, you had to accuse other of heresies so the Church could find them and deal with them. 2) Detention- The one accused would be isolated in prison while priests and other Church officials would examine his case and if the accused was a heretic. Sometimes, the one accused would be in jail for a lengthy period of time without even knowing why he was arrested. 3) Trial & Sentencing- Usual trial. The accused would be tortured until they admit to the crime. The accused would be sentenced to either death, freedom (very rare), or if they admitted to their crimes, they would go through the Auto de feprocess and then be executed. The Auto de fe was a public ritual where the heretic confesses to their sins.
6. Torture Methods Breast Ripper Lead Sprinkler. Filled with boiling water, oil, or metal. The contents were slowly dripped on various parts of the victims body. The Stake Heretics Fork. The victim would feel intense pain until they admitted their guilt, at fear of being burned at the stake or hung. Pear of Anguish. Caused a lot of internal damage. Thumb Screw. Crush someone's fingers or toes.
