The suppressions of the Inquisition during the Independence War

Abstract

The Inquisition was twice suppressed during the War of Independence: the first time by Napoleon (1808) and later by the Courts of Cadiz (1813, bicentennial). This study examines the historical context of these suppressions as well as their similarities and differences. There is a detailed analysis of the problem in the Courts, the chronology of the process, the great discussion between members of different leanings and the basic arguments for the abolition of the Inquisition. What was certainly a breakthrough in the attitude of tolerance met with limited success because the prevailing situation in the country prevented the establishment of religious freedom.

Keywords

• Inquisición, Cortes de Cádiz, Napoleón, Política religiosa, Tolerancia.