Isabella and Ferdinand’s marriage created a dynastic union, though their kingdoms—Castile and Aragon—remained separate in many respects. Nevertheless, their shared vision for the future of Spain allowed them to work together to shape the country’s destiny. Through their efforts, Spain’s internal divisions were minimized, and they worked to create a more unified and powerful nation.
The Spanish Inquisition and Religious Reform
One of the most controversial aspects of Isabella’s reign was her role in the Spanish Inquisition. The Inquisition, a series of religious trials aimed at rooting out heresy, was implemented by Isabella and Ferdinand in 1478. The monarchs were determined to ensure religious unity in their kingdoms, believing that the success of Spain depended on a single, unified Catholic faith.
The Inquisition was brutal and led to the persecution of Jews, Muslims, and those suspected of heresy. The policy of religious intolerance reached its peak in 1492 with the issuance of the Alhambra Decree, which ordered the expulsion of Jews from Spain unless they converted to Christianity. This decree affected tens of thousands of Jews, many of whom fled to other parts of Europe or the Ottoman Empire. While the Inquisition is remembered with much criticism for its intolerance and cruelty, Isabella believed it was necessary to maintain religious and political unity within her kingdom. shutdown123