AP Euro Leaders/Monarchs

Most important leaders from European history

Martin Luther

Initiated the Protestant Reformation by challenging Church practices with his 95 Theses (1517).

John Calvin

Protestant reformer who developed Calvinism, emphasizing predestination and a disciplined, godly life.

Henry VIII

Broke with the Catholic Church and founded the Church of England after being denied an annulment.

Charles V

Holy Roman Emperor who tried to suppress the Reformation and maintain Catholic unity.

Mary Tudor (Bloody Mary)

Tried to re-establish Catholicism in England, persecuting Protestants.

Ignatius Loyola

Founded the Jesuits, a key Catholic order during the Counter-Reformation.

Elizabeth I

Stabilized Protestantism in England and led during the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

Philip II

Spanish king who championed Catholicism, led Spain during its golden age.

Henry IV (of Navarre)

First Bourbon king of France; issued the Edict of Nantes granting religious toleration to Huguenots.

Francis I

French king who patronized the arts and struggled with Charles V in Italy.

Henry III

French king during the Wars of Religion; assassinated.

William of Orange

Leader of the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule; helped establish Dutch independence.

Louis XIV

"Sun King" of France; epitome of absolute monarchy, built Versailles, centralized power.

Oliver Cromwell

Leader of Parliamentary forces in English Civil War; ruled as Lord Protector in a republican regime.

James I

First Stuart king of England; believed in divine right, struggled with Parliament.

Charles I

His disputes with Parliament led to the English Civil War; executed in 1649.

Charles II

Restored monarchy after Cromwell; known for a more tolerant and lively reign.

James II

Deposed in the Glorious Revolution for his pro-Catholic policies.