What were the different stages of the Spanish Inquisition?

The Spanish Inquisition can be divided into three main stages: the establishment and consolidation stage, the height of its power stage, and the decline and abolition stage.

1. Establishment and Consolidation Stage (1478-1492):
The Spanish Inquisition was established in 1478 by the Catholic Monarchs, King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile. Its primary purpose was to ensure religious orthodoxy and maintain Catholic dominance in Spain. During this stage, the Inquisition focused on targeting conversos, or Jews and Muslims who had converted to Christianity but were suspected of practicing their former religions in secret. The Inquisition used torture and intimidation to extract confessions and punish those found guilty of heresy.

2. Height of Power Stage (1492-1560s):
This stage marked the peak of the Spanish Inquisition's influence and brutality. In 1492, the Catholic Monarchs issued the Alhambra Decree, which expelled all Jews from Spain. This led to an increased focus on rooting out conversos and enforcing religious uniformity. The Inquisition expanded its reach, establishing tribunals in various regions of Spain and its territories, including the Americas. During this period, thousands of people were accused, tortured, and executed for heresy, blasphemy, or practicing non-Catholic religions.

3. Decline and Abolition Stage (1560s-1834):
In the 1560s, the power of the Spanish Inquisition began to decline. The influence of the Catholic Church waned, and the Spanish monarchy sought to centralize its control. Additionally, the Enlightenment and the rise of more tolerant ideas challenged the Inquisition's methods. In 1812, during the liberal Spanish Constitution, the Inquisition was officially abolished. However, it was reinstated briefly during the absolutist rule of Ferdinand VII. Finally, in 1834, the Spanish Inquisition was permanently abolished by Queen Isabella II.

Overall, the Spanish Inquisition went through different stages, starting with its establishment and consolidation, followed by its peak of power, and ultimately its decline and abolition.