The Spanish Inquisition attempted to maintain the dominance of the Catholic religion. It was established in 1478 by Catholic monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile to eliminate heresy and non-Christian beliefs within their territories. The primary target of the Inquisition was the Jewish and Muslim population, followed by Protestants who were seen as a threat to Catholic dominance. The Inquisition was responsible for the torture and execution of thousands of people who were accused of heresy. Its ultimate goal was to make Catholicism the only religion practiced in Spain and bring uniformity in religious beliefs.