AP European History Unit 2 Reformation Vocabulary

Traditional vocabulary flashcards covering the key individuals, terms, and events of the Protestant and Catholic Reformations as listed in the Unit 2 notes.

Sola Scriptura

The belief that only the Bible is the ultimate religious authority, a key idea in Protestantism.

Christian Humanism

The Northern Renaissance movement combining humanist ideas with Christian faith to reform the Church.

Thomas More (1478–1535)

An English humanist who wrote Utopia and was executed for opposing Henry VIII’s break with the Church.

Martin Luther (1483–1546)

A German monk who started the Protestant Reformation by posting his 95 Theses in 1517.

Augsburg Confessions (1530)

A statement of Lutheran beliefs presented to Charles V at the Diet of Augsburg.

Marguerite of Navarre (1492–1549)

The sister of the French king and supporter of religious reform, she protected reformers in France.

Desiderius Erasmus (1466–1536)

A Dutch humanist who criticized Church corruption in The Praise of Folly, but remained Catholic.

“The Elect”

In Calvinist belief, those predestined by God for salvation.

Thomas Cranmer (1489–1556)

The Archbishop of Canterbury who supported Henry VIII’s reforms and helped write the Book of Common Prayer.

Pilgrimage of Grace (1536)

A massive rebellion in northern England against Henry VIII’s break from the Catholic Church.

Moravian Brethren

A pre-Reformation Protestant group influenced by Jan Hus, they emphasized simplicity and community.

Thomas à Kempis (1380–1471)

He wrote The Imitation of Christ, promoting personal devotion over rituals.

Peace of Augsburg (1555)

A treaty allowing German princes to choose Lutheranism or Catholicism for their territories.

Capuchins

A Catholic reform order of friars focused on preaching and helping the poor.

Society of Jesus (Jesuits)

The Catholic order founded by Ignatius Loyola to reform the Church and spread Catholicism globally.

Priesthood of All Believers

A Lutheran idea that all Christians can interpret the Bible and have a direct relationship with God.

Johannes Gutenberg (c.1400–1468)

He invented the printing press, which helped spread Reformation ideas.

Scholasticism

A medieval system of theology using reason and logic, rejected by many reformers and considered outdated.

Nepotism

The practice of church leaders giving positions to relatives, it was criticized by reformers.

Justification by Faith Alone

The Protestant belief that faith in God, not good works, leads to salvation.

Diet of Worms (1521)

The imperial meeting where Martin Luther refused to recant his beliefs before Charles V.

Huldrych Zwingli (1484–1531)

A Swiss reformer who broke from the Catholic Church and disagreed with Luther on the Eucharist.

Council of Trent (1545–1563)

The Catholic council that reaffirmed Church doctrine and began the Counter-Reformation.

Henry VIII (1491–1547)

An English king who broke with the Catholic Church to form the Church of England after being denied an annulment.

Catherine of Aragon (1485–1536)

The First wife of Henry VIII, her divorce sparked the English Reformation.

Elizabeth I (1533–1603)

The Queen of England who established Protestantism with the Elizabethan Religious Settlement.

Mennonites

An Anabaptist group that emphasized pacifism and simple living.

Jimenez de Cisneros (1436–1517)

A Spanish cardinal who reformed the Church and founded the University of Alcalá.

Theatines

The Catholic reform order focused on moral reform and helping the clergy live holy lives.

Ignatius Loyola (1491–1556)

The founder of the Jesuits and author of the Spiritual Exercises.

Index of Forbidden Books (1559)

A list of prohibited books published by the Catholic Church to prevent the spread of heresy.

Simony

The buying or selling of Church positions, a major abuse which was attacked by reformers.

Francis Xavier (1506–1552)

A Jesuit missionary who spread Catholicism in Asia, especially India and Japan.

Indulgences

Grants by the Church that reduced punishment for sins, their sale sparked Luther’s protest.

John Calvin (1509–1564)

A French Protestant reformer who developed Calvinism, emphasizing predestination and strict morality.

Polyglot Bible

A Bible printed in several languages side-by-side, supported by Christian humanists.

Consistory

The Calvinist church court in Geneva that enforced moral discipline and doctrine.

Predestination

A Calvinist belief that God has already determined who will be saved and who will be damned.

Anne Boleyn (c.1501–1536)

Second wife of Henry VIII, her marriage led to England's break from the Catholic Church.

Mary I (1516–1558)

Catholic queen of England known for persecuting Protestants, also called "Bloody Mary."

Anabaptist

Radical Protestants who believed in adult baptism and separation from state churches.

New Piety

A late medieval movement focused on personal devotion and inner faith.

Inquisition

The church court used to root out heresy, especially during the Counter-Reformation.

Carmelites

Catholic religious order that reformed during the Counter-Reformation under leaders like Teresa of Ávila.

Ursulines

Catholic order of nuns founded to educate girls and combat Protestantism through teaching.