What was the primary goal of the Spanish Inquisition initiated by Ferdinand and Isabella?

The primary goal of the Spanish Inquisition, initiated by Ferdinand and Isabella in the late 15th century, was indeed to ensure the conversion of Muslims and Jews to Christianity. This effort was woven into a broader context of religious unity that the Catholic Monarchs sought to establish in Spain after the Reconquista, which was the campaign to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim control.

The Inquisition was aimed at ensuring that those who had converted to Christianity, particularly Jews and Muslims who were suspected of secretly practicing their former religions, maintained their new faith in a manner that aligned with Catholic orthodoxy. Ferdinand and Isabella wanted to solidify their rule and promote a unified national identity based deeply in Catholicism.

By targeting converts and enforcing stringent religious conformity, the Inquisition served as a tool for both religious purification and political control, reinforcing the monarchy's power and aligning the Spanish state more closely with the Catholic Church. This period marked a significant moment in Spanish history as it laid foundational elements for future governance and societal norms in Spain that were heavily influenced by religious unity.