Protestantism across Europe

Protestantism Across Europe in the 16th Century

Protestant communities existed across Europe but were often persecuted due to their limited power.

The Habsburg Dynasty

A powerful Catholic family that controlled large areas of Europe, including the Holy Roman Empire, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Role of the Holy Roman Emperor

The Habsburg ruler served as the Holy Roman Emperor, aiming to unite and strengthen Catholicism across Europe.

Habsburg Persecution of Protestants

European Protestants, especially in France and the Spanish Netherlands, faced violent persecution under Habsburg rule.

Elizabeth I as a Protestant Leader

Elizabeth became a figurehead for Protestants across Europe, deciding how much support she should provide.

French Wars of Religion (1562)

A religious conflict between Protestant Huguenots and the Catholic nobility in France.

Causes of the French Wars of Religion

Catherine de Médici showed tolerance to Protestants, angering the powerful Catholic Guise family, which massacred a Huguenot congregation.

Elizabeth I’s Reaction to the French Wars of Religion

Elizabeth supported the Huguenots in 1562, hoping their victory would lead to England regaining Calais.

Treaty of Troyes (1564)

A treaty in which Elizabeth officially lost Calais to France after the Huguenots made peace with the Catholics.

Spain and France’s Rivalry

The two Catholic nations were rivals, but Elizabeth’s support of Protestants in France angered Philip II of Spain.

The Spanish Netherlands in the 16th Century

A core part of the Spanish Habsburg empire, ruled by Philip II of Spain.

Philip II’s Anger Towards Elizabeth

Elizabeth rejected Philip’s marriage proposal and supported Protestant rebels in France.

Trade Embargo Between England and the Netherlands

Philip II imposed an embargo on English cloth to stop Protestant influence in the Netherlands, leading Elizabeth to halt all trade.

Economic Impact of the Trade Embargo

Both England and the Netherlands suffered economically, leading to the embargo lasting only a year.

Spain’s Power and Elizabeth’s Fear

Spain’s strength, combined with France’s Catholicism, created a potential threat of a Catholic alliance against England.

The Pope’s Role in Opposing Elizabeth

The Pope had previously supported removing Henry VIII for breaking from the Catholic Church and could do the same for Elizabeth.

The Dutch Revolt (1566

1568)

The Duke of Alba’s Role in the Dutch Revolt

Philip II sent the Duke of Alba in 1567 to crush the Dutch Revolt and enforce Spanish rule.

The Council of Troubles

A Spanish

Dutch Protestant Refugees

Thousands of Dutch Protestants fled to England to escape persecution by the Duke of Alba.

Elizabeth I’s Reaction to the Duke of Alba

She feared his aggressive suppression of Protestantism could spread to England.

Elizabeth’s Dilemma in the Netherlands

She wanted to help Dutch Protestants but feared provoking war with Spain.

Elizabeth’s Strategy Against Spain

Rather than direct military action, Elizabeth pursued an obstructive strategy to weaken Spain.

The Sea Beggars (1567)

Elizabeth allowed Dutch rebel pirates, known as the Sea Beggars, to dock in English harbors and attack Spanish ships.

The Genoese Loan (1568)

Elizabeth seized Spanish gold meant for Alba’s forces, claiming it belonged to Genoese bankers, enraging Philip II.

Mary, Queen of Scots' Arrival in England (1568)

Mary fled to England, giving English Catholics a potential Catholic alternative to Elizabeth.

The Revolt of the Northern Earls (1569)

A Catholic rebellion in England that hoped for Spanish support from Alba’s forces.

Threat of Catholic Rebellions

Elizabeth feared that if more English Catholics revolted, Spain and the Pope would provide military support.

Worked Example: One Feature of the Dutch Revolt

One feature of the Dutch Revolt was Spain’s use of violence to suppress it (1). In 1567, Philip II sent the Duke of Alba and an army of 10,000 to attack Dutch rebels (1).