The Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478 under the reign of Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, aimed to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in their realms. It primarily targeted converted Jews and Muslims suspected of heresy and later expanded to suppress heretical doctrines and practices. The institution became infamous for its brutal methods, including torture and public executions, and played a significant role in the religious and political life of Spain for centuries. The Inquisition not only affected Spain but also its territories across Latin America and parts of Europe.

As the Enlightenment ideas of liberty and individual rights began to spread throughout Europe in the 18th and early 19th centuries, there was increasing pressure for reform. The Peninsular War (1808-1814) weakened the absolute monarchy and prompted a surge in liberal ideas. Following these developments, Spanish liberals sought to abolish institutions like the Inquisition, which they viewed as relics of an oppressive past. In 1834, under the regency of Maria Christina, the Spanish government finally passed laws formally disbanding the Inquisition, signaling a shift towards modernization and secular governance.

The disbandment effectively ended the Inquisition's official authority, although remnants of its influence persisted in society for years. The movement towards greater religious tolerance and the protection of individual rights gained momentum after this abolition, as Spain transitioned into a new political and social order. The legal framework that replaced the Inquisition laid the groundwork for contemporary human rights in Spain, making the disbanding a pivotal moment in the evolution of modern Spanish society.