Black Legend

By Crusader1307

While the term ''Black Legend'' is credited to Historians in the 1890s – it's ''practice'' can be traced back to the 16th Century AD – as a by-product of the later Church Inquisitions. Often, when persons of some note (Nobility), were pressed into being interrogated by The Inquisition – They came from well known Families (with wealth and achievements). In many cases (as is known), The Inquisition ''removed'' persons who were seen as a ''problem'' for The Church (politically). These persons needed to be ''discredited''. Hence the practice of creating propaganda to do so was ''invented''. Hence the development of The ''Black Legend''. Any form of association or perceived issues were used to discredit a Person facing The Inquisition. If a Person lived near a ''known Witch'' or ''Alchemist'' – then, by proxy, The Accused was an Associate. Any and all local ''plights'' from Plague to Sickness was ''stitched'' into The ''Legend''. Most Common People (well known for their tacit distrust and dislike of Nobility), would readily ''believe'' such tales.

Women were even more prone to “Black Legends”. They could be attacked for ''sexual immorality'' and most often Witchcraft. In such cases it was instrumental to often bride Witnesses (even if they knew The Accused or not). Royalty also stooped to the level of ''Black Legends'' to discredit potential Successors to The Throne. Some even used it to quickly remove ''obstacles'' to their needs (as seen with England's King Henry VIII). Many felt that much of the ''treason'' charges directed against His short lived Queen Anne Boleyn were examples of creating ''Black Legends''. Many Countries evolved the use of The ''Black Legend'' into political arenas, as one Candidate used such tactics to ''smear the reputation or abilities'' of an Opponent. A classic American example was The Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858, when an unknown Abraham Lincoln ran for an Illinois Seat in Washington DC for The House of Representatives. The more well known and politically experienced Stephen Douglas attacked not only Lincoln's abilities, but also his Linage. Many believed Douglas at the time.