the Reformation
A 16th-century religious movement that resulted in the establishment of Protestant churches and significant changes in the Catholic Church, initiated by figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin.
Martin Luther
A German monk and theologian who criticized the Catholic Church's practices, notably through his Ninety-Five Theses, and played a key role in the Protestant Reformation.
Justification by faith
The belief that faith in Jesus Christ alone is sufficient for salvation, a central tenet of Protestant theology.
Counter Reformation
A Catholic Church movement in response to the Protestant Reformation aimed at reforming church practices and reaffirming Catholic doctrine.
Elizabethan Settlement
The religious compromise established during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, which aimed to unify the Church of England and accommodate both Protestant and Catholic practices.
Protestantism
A branch of Christianity that originated from the Reformation, emphasizing salvation through faith alone and the authority of Scripture, and the importance of having a personal relationship with God
Church of England
The national church of England, formed during the Reformation, which broke away from the authority of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church during the reign of Henry VIII, incorporating both Protestant and Catholic elements.
95 theses
A list of propositions for debate by Martin Luther, criticizing the Catholic Church's practices, particularly the sale of indulgences, which sparked the Protestant Reformation.
Henry VIII
King of England from 1509 to 1547, known for his role in the separation of the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church, primarily to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
Calvinism
A Protestant theological system founded by John Calvin, emphasizing predestination, the sovereignty of God, and the authority of Scripture.
Council of Trent
A series of ecumenical councils held between 1545 and 1563, aimed at addressing issues of reform in the Catholic Church and clarifying Catholic doctrine in response to the Protestant Reformation.
Diet of Worms
An imperial diet held in 1521 where Martin Luther was summoned to defend his writings and beliefs before the Holy Roman Emperor.
Jesuit Order
A religious order founded in 1540 by Ignatius of Loyola, known for its educational, missionary, and charitable works, and commitment to the Catholic Church.
Index of Prohibited Books
A list published by the Catholic Church starting in 1559, prohibiting the reading of certain books deemed heretical or contrary to the teachings of the Church.
German Peasants’ Revolt
A widespread uprising in 1524-1525 by German peasants against feudal oppression, inspired by the Reformation and calls for social and economic reforms.
Anabaptists
A Christian sect that emerged during the Reformation, advocating for adult baptism and separation of church and state.
Mary I of England
The queen of England from 1553 to 1558, known for her attempts to restore Catholicism and her persecution of Protestants, earning her the nickname "Bloody Mary."
Calvinism in Geneva
Resulted in a theocratic government led by John Calvin, emphasizing predestination and strict moral codes.
Peace of Augsburg
A treaty signed in 1555 that ended the religious civil war in Germany, allowing princes to choose either Lutheranism or Catholicism as the official religion of their territories.
cuius regio, eius religio
A principle meaning "whose realm, his religion," establishing that the ruler of a territory would determine its official religion.
indulgences
Payments made to the Church to reduce punishment for sins, often criticized by reformers like Martin Luther.
Charles V
Holy Roman Emperor who ruled during the Protestant Reformation and sought to maintain Catholic unity in his empire.
Price Revolution
A period of rising prices and inflation in Europe during the 16th century, largely attributed to the influx of precious metals from the New World.
Huguenots
French Protestants influenced by John Calvin, known for their struggles against Catholic persecution.
English Civil War
A series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists in England from 1642 to 1651, primarily over governance and authority.
Catherine de Medici
A powerful French queen and regent, Catherine de Medici played a significant role in the political landscape of France during the 16th century, particularly during the French Wars of Religion.
witchcraft
most put on trial were women, often accused of maleficium or harmful magic, reflecting societal fears and misogyny.
Baroque
Style of art and architecture characterized by extravagant detail, grandeur, and emotion, prominent in Europe during the 17th and early 18th centuries.
St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre
A violent event in 1572 where thousands of Huguenots were killed by Catholic mobs in Paris, marking a turning point in the French Wars of Religion.
Spanish Armada
A fleet sent by King Philip II of Spain in 1588 to invade England, ultimately defeated by the English navy and storms.
Spanish decline
The gradual weakening of Spain's political and economic power in the late 17th century, attributed to military defeats, loss of colonies, and economic mismanagement.
Shakespeare
An English playwright and poet, known for his influential works such as "Hamlet" and "Romeo and Juliet."
Artemisia Gentileschi
A prominent Italian Baroque painter known for her powerful depictions of women and biblical themes, often reflecting her personal experiences.
El Greco
A Greek painter who became a leading figure in the Spanish Renaissance, known for his dramatic use of color and elongated figures.
Philip II
King of Spain from 1556 to 1598, known for his role in the Spanish Armada and the expansion of Spanish influence in Europe.
Edict of Nantes
A decree issued in 1598 by Henry IV of France granting religious freedom to Huguenots and ending the French Wars of Religion.
Thirty Years War
A conflict in Europe from 1618 to 1648, primarily fought in the Holy Roman Empire, that involved various European powers and was rooted in religious and political disputes.
Peace of Westphalia
The series of treaties that ended the Thirty Years War in 1648, establishing a new political order in Europe based on the principles of state sovereignty and non-interference.
Cardinal Richelieu
A French clergyman and statesman who served as chief minister to Louis XIII, instrumental in strengthening the power of the monarchy and centralizing the state.
Henry IV
The first Bourbon king of France, known for his efforts to end the Wars of Religion and for issuing the Edict of Nantes, which granted religious tolerance to Huguenots.
Miguel de Cervantes
A Spanish writer best known for his novel "Don Quixote," which is considered one of the greatest works of literature.
Peter Paul Rubens
A Flemish Baroque painter known for his dynamic compositions, vibrant color palette, and depiction of mythological and historical subjects.
80 Years War
A conflict between the Spanish Empire and the Dutch Republic from 1568 to 1648, primarily over political and religious independence.
Gustavus Adolfus
King of Sweden who led his country during the Thirty Years' War, known for innovative military tactics and significant victories.