Which institution was established by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1478 to enforce religious unity in Spain?

The Spanish Inquisition was established by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1478 with the primary goal of maintaining religious uniformity within Spain, especially following the Reconquista, when Catholic monarchs sought to consolidate their power and ensure the unity of their realms under Catholicism. This institution targeted converted Jews and Muslims suspected of insincere conversions and aimed to root out heresy.

The establishment of the Spanish Inquisition was a key aspect of the broader strategy of the Spanish monarchy to assert control over religious practices and to strengthen the Catholic Church’s influence in Spain. The Inquisition had the authority to investigate and prosecute religious crimes, and it played a significant role in shaping Spanish society and politics during the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

While the Roman Inquisition, the Holy Office, and the Council of Trent were also important elements of the Catholic Church's efforts to address issues of heresy and reform, they were distinct from the specific institution founded by Ferdinand and Isabella. The Roman Inquisition was established later, the Holy Office refers to the Roman Catholic Church's body dealing with heresy, and the Council of Trent was a major ecumenical council that addressed church reform during the Protestant Reformation.