Which king and queen were responsible for the Spanish Inquisition?

• A. King Henry II and Queen Eleanor
• B. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella
• C. King Charles V and Queen Isabella
• D. King Ferdinand and Queen Victoria

Answer: (B)

Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, known as the Catholic Monarchs, were the rulers who established the Spanish Inquisition. Their marriage united their kingdoms in the late 15th century, and they aimed to secure religious and political unity in Spain. With papal approval, they set up the Holy Office of the Inquisition in 1478 to root out heresy and enforce Catholic orthodoxy, targeting Jews and Muslims who had converted to Christianity as well as other dissenters. This move helped solidify royal authority and solidify a unified Spanish realm after the Reconquista. The other names come from different countries or eras and are not connected to the Spanish Inquisition.