Final answer:
The conversion of Jews in Spain was largely driven by The Spanish Inquisition, following the enforcement of Catholic unity by Spanish Christian rulers. Religious tolerance ceased, resulting in forced conversions or exile for those who remained faithful to their religion. The Spanish Inquisition is therefore the correct answer to the question of what aided the conversion of the Jews in Spain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factor that most notably aided the conversion of Jews in Spain was The Spanish Inquisition. This was a period when Spain, having completed the Reconquista with the fall of Granada in 1492, began to enforce a homogenous religious identity. During this time, religious tolerance was abolished, and laws were passed that compelled Jews, as well as Muslims, to either convert to Catholicism, leave the country, or face severe punishment. The intolerant policies and the persecution under the Inquisition led to a significant number of forced conversions, although conversely, many Jews chose exile over abandoning their faith.
In 1492, the Spanish monarchy issued the Alhambra Decree, which mandated the expulsion of practicing Jews from Spain. This decree resulted in the diaspora of Spanish Jews to other regions where they hoped to find greater religious freedom. Thus, the Spanish Inquisition, rather than economic opportunities, political alliances, or a culture of religious tolerance, was the primary driver behind the conversion of Jews in Spain during that era.