Who Supported the Spanish Inquisition?

The Spanish Inquisition (late 15th century) enjoyed broad backing:

• Catholic Church hierarchy: Saw it as essential to defend orthodoxy and Church power.
• Spanish monarchy (Isabella and Ferdinand): Used it to unify kingdoms and consolidate religious‑political authority.
• Nobility and upper class: Valued it for maintaining social order and privilege.
• General populace: Many ordinary Spaniards supported it to protect Catholic dominance.

Despite its repression, it had significant cross‑sectional support at the time.