AP European History Unit 2 Overview

What sequence of events led to the Reformation?

Renaissance + Humanism + Church criticism + Printing Press → People demand religious reform → Martin Luther challenges Catholic authority in 1517 → Protestantism spreads → Catholic Church responds with the Catholic Reformation → Wars of Religion → Thirty Years' War → Peace of Westphalia, 1648 → Europe is permanently religiously divided.

What were some criticisms of the Catholic Church before Luther?

Simony, pluralism, absenteeism, nepotism, clerical corruption, wealth of Church officials, political involvement of popes, sale of indulgences, and lack of education among clergy.

What role did humanism play in the Reformation?

Humanism encouraged critical thinking, studying classical texts, and questioning established interpretations, which fostered an environment for reform.

Who is associated with Christian Humanism?

Erasmus, who criticized Church abuses and sought reform from within Catholicism.

How did the printing press impact the Reformation?

It accelerated the spread of Protestant ideas by allowing religious writings and vernacular texts to be reproduced and distributed rapidly.

What was Martin Luther's main challenge to the Catholic Church?

He challenged the sale of indulgences and published the 95 Theses in 1517.

What are the key beliefs of Lutheranism?

Faith alone (sola fide) for salvation, emphasizing faith rather than good works.

What distinguishes Calvinism from Lutheranism?

Calvinism emphasizes predestination, the belief that God has already chosen who will be saved.

What was the significance of the Edict of Nantes?

It allowed Huguenots to worship while keeping Catholicism the official religion, aimed at political stability.

What was the Catholic Reformation?

A response by the Catholic Church to reform itself and counter the Protestant Reformation, including the Council of Trent and the establishment of new religious orders.

What was the Thirty Years' War primarily about?

It started as a religious conflict but evolved into a struggle involving dynastic competition, territorial power, and state interests.

What did the Peace of Westphalia accomplish?

It ended the Thirty Years' War, recognized Dutch and Swiss independence, acknowledged Calvinism, and weakened the Holy Roman Empire.

What was the impact of the Reformation on European politics?

It led to a permanent religious division in Europe and increased state control over religious institutions.

What is simony?

The buying or selling of Church offices.

What is pluralism in the context of the Church?

Holding multiple Church offices simultaneously.

What is absenteeism?

Holding a Church office without actually serving there.

Who was John Wycliffe and what did he advocate?

An English reformer who criticized Church wealth and authority, and supported making the Bible available in English.

What happened to Jan Hus?

He was burned at the stake in 1415 for criticizing Church corruption and advocating for reform.

What did Savonarola criticize?

Clerical corruption, immorality, and Church abuses in Florence.

What was Luther's view on salvation?

He believed that humans could never perform enough good works to earn salvation.

What was the role of the Jesuits in the Catholic Reformation?

They were instrumental in revitalizing the Catholic Church through education and missionary work.

What was the Index of Prohibited Books?

A list created by the Catholic Church of books deemed heretical or contrary to Church teachings.

What was the significance of the Council of Trent?

It was a key part of the Catholic Reformation that addressed Church abuses and clarified Catholic doctrine.

What was the relationship between religion and politics during the Reformation?

Religion became intertwined with politics, as rulers sought independence from Rome and control over Church wealth and land.

What were the main Protestant groups that emerged during the Reformation?

Lutherans, Calvinists, Anabaptists, and Anglicans.

What does 'Sola Fide' mean?

'Faith alone' - Salvation comes through faith rather than being earned through good works.

What is 'Sola Scriptura'?

'Scripture alone' - The Bible is the ultimate source of religious authority.

What is the meaning of 'Sola Gratia'?

'Grace alone' - Salvation is a gift of God's grace.

What is the 'Priesthood of All Believers'?

The belief that Christians have direct access to God without needing priests or bishops as intermediaries.

How did Lutheranism differ from Catholicism regarding salvation?

Lutheranism teaches salvation by faith alone, while Catholicism teaches salvation through faith and works.

What was the significance of the 95 Theses?

Luther's objections to indulgences sparked a larger religious movement and challenged Church authority.

What role did the printing press play in the Reformation?

It allowed Luther's ideas to be rapidly disseminated, turning a local dispute into a widespread movement.

What was the outcome of the Diet of Worms in 1521?

Luther refused to recant his writings and was declared an outlaw by the Edict of Worms.

Who protected Luther after he was excommunicated?

Frederick III, also known as Frederick the Wise of Saxony, protected Luther and hid him in Wartburg Castle.

What was the German Peasants' War?

A revolt from 1524-1525 where peasants sought social change, but it was crushed, and Luther did not support the rebellion.

What was the Peace of Augsburg?

The 1555 agreement allowing German princes to choose between Catholicism and Lutheranism for their territories.

What does 'Cuius regio, eius religio' mean?

'Whose realm, his religion' - The principle that the ruler of a territory determines its religion.

Who was Huldrych Zwingli?

A Swiss reformer who rejected many Catholic practices and led the Protestant reform in Zurich.

What was John Calvin's major work?

Institutes of the Christian Religion.

What is the concept of predestination in Calvinism?

The belief that God has already determined who will be saved.

What is the significance of the term 'the elect' in Calvinism?

The people chosen by God for salvation, with good behavior seen as an outward sign of being among the elect.

How did Calvinism influence society in Geneva?

Calvin created a disciplined religious society where religion influenced laws, education, and daily behavior.

What were the main beliefs of Anabaptists?

They emphasized adult baptism, separation of church and state, and pacifism.

Why were Anabaptists persecuted?

Both Catholics and Protestants saw their ideas as a threat to the established church-state relationship.

What were the main issues faced by Charles V?

He dealt with French rivalry, the Ottoman threat, German princes, political fragmentation, and Protestant resistance.

What were the Schmalkaldic Wars?

Conflicts from 1546-1547 and 1552 between Charles V and Protestant German princes, which failed to eliminate Lutheranism.

What was Luther's stance on social equality during the Reformation?

Luther did not support social equality or political revolution; he feared social disorder and depended on political rulers.

What was the impact of political fragmentation on Protestantism?

It helped Protestantism survive by preventing centralized control over German territories.

What were the two sacraments recognized by Lutherans?

Baptism and Eucharist.

What were the seven sacraments recognized by Catholics?

Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, Matrimony.

What was Luther's view on indulgences?

He opposed the sale of indulgences, which were seen as a way to raise money for the Church.

What was the significance of the Marburg Colloquy?

A meeting between Luther and Zwingli to discuss their disagreements, particularly about the Eucharist.

What was the primary motivation behind Henry VIII's break with Rome?

Dynasty, marriage, and political authority.

What significant act did Henry VIII establish in 1534?

The Act of Supremacy, which declared the English monarch as head of the Church of England.

What was the outcome of the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII?

Monasteries were closed, and their land, wealth, and property were redistributed, strengthening the Crown and new landowners.

What was the religious status of England immediately after Henry VIII's break from Rome?

England did not immediately become strongly Protestant; many Catholic practices remained.

What was the English Religious Zigzag?

The sequence of religious leadership changes: Henry VIII (break with Rome), Edward VI (more Protestant), Mary I (Catholic restoration), Elizabeth I (Protestant settlement).

What nickname was given to Mary I due to her persecution of Protestants?

"Bloody Mary".

What was the Elizabethan Settlement of 1559?

It established a Protestant English religious system under royal authority, maintaining royal supremacy and requiring religious conformity.

Who were the Puritans?

English Calvinists who sought to further reform the Church of England.

What was the main difference between the English Reformation and the French Reformation?

The English Reformation was primarily driven by dynastic and political concerns, while the French Reformation involved stronger theological conflicts.

Who was Philip II of Spain, and what was his reign known for?

Reigned from 1556 to 1598, known for his strong support of militant Catholicism.

What was the significance of the Battle of Lepanto in 1571?

Catholic forces defeated the Ottoman Turks, demonstrating Spain's role as a defender of Catholicism.

What was the Dutch Revolt, and who led it?

A resistance against Philip II's attempts to suppress Calvinism in the Netherlands, led by William of Orange.

What was the outcome of the Spanish Armada in 1588?

The English defeated the Spanish Armada, preventing invasion and preserving Protestant England.

What were the Habsburg-Valois Wars primarily about?

The main conflict was between Spain and France over control of Italy.

What triggered the French Wars of Religion?

The Massacre of Vassy in 1562, where Catholic forces attacked Huguenots.

What was the significance of the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre in 1572?

Thousands of Huguenots were killed, escalating the French Wars of Religion.

Who were the Three Henries during the French Wars of Religion?

Henry III (Catholic king), Henry of Guise (Ultra-Catholic noble), and Henry of Navarre (Huguenot).

What was the outcome for Henry of Navarre after the French Wars of Religion?

He became Henry IV and converted to Catholicism for political stability.

What was the Warsaw Confederation Act in Poland?

It provided greater religious toleration and allowed nobles to challenge royal control over religious institutions.

What was the role of Huguenots in France?

They were a minority but disproportionately represented among nobles, making them a political threat.

What was the primary reason Philip II wanted to invade England?

To restore Catholicism in England, which was Protestant under Elizabeth I.

What were the economic implications of the Dutch Revolt?

The Netherlands was commercially important, and the revolt involved resistance to Spanish Habsburg authority.

What was the significance of the Edict of Nantes in France?

It granted religious freedom to Huguenots and aimed to stabilize France after the Wars of Religion.

What was the main issue in the Habsburg-Valois Wars?

Control of Italy between Spain and France.

How did the defeat of the Spanish Armada affect Spain's dominance?

It damaged Spain's dominance and contributed to England's rise as a significant power.

What was the relationship between religion and politics during the English Reformation?

Religious changes were often intertwined with political power and authority.

What did the English Reformation signify about church-state relations?

It challenged the assumption that everyone in a Christian state should belong to the state-supported church.

What was the Edict of Nantes?

A decree issued in 1598 that granted religious toleration to Huguenots in France.

What remained the official religion of France after the Edict of Nantes?

Catholicism.

What was the primary purpose of the Edict of Nantes?

To create stability in France by allowing Huguenots certain rights.

What major conflict did the Thirty Years' War begin as?

A religious conflict.

What was a significant cause of the Thirty Years' War?

The Peace of Augsburg had not resolved religious tensions, particularly Calvinism not being recognized.

What was the Defenestration of Prague?

An event in 1618 where Protestant nobles rebelled against Catholic Habsburg authority, igniting the Thirty Years' War.

What were the four phases of the Thirty Years' War?

Bohemian Phase, Danish Phase, Swedish Phase, French Phase.

Who led the Catholic forces during the Bohemian Phase?

Ferdinand II.

What was the outcome of the Danish Phase?

Christian IV of Denmark was defeated by Ferdinand II.

Who was Gustavus Adolphus?

The King of Sweden who entered the Thirty Years' War on the Protestant side during the Swedish Phase.

What was the significance of Cardinal Richelieu's support for the Protestant side?

It demonstrated that political interests could override religious affiliations.

What were some effects of the Peace of Westphalia?

Dutch and Swiss independence recognized, Calvinism acknowledged, and the Holy Roman Empire weakened.

What major change did the Peace of Westphalia signify for Europe?

A shift from the ideal of unified Christendom to religious pluralism and stronger state authority.

What was the Catholic Reformation's response to Protestantism?

It involved reform, reaffirmation, education, mission, and enforcement.

Who called the Council of Trent?

Pope Paul III.

What was the purpose of the Roman Inquisition established in 1542?

To investigate heresy and defend Catholic doctrine.

Who founded the Jesuits?

Ignatius of Loyola.

What were the main goals of the Jesuits?

Education, missionary work, and defense of Catholicism.

What did the Council of Trent reaffirm regarding salvation?

The Catholic position that salvation comes through faith and works.

What did the Council of Trent reform?

It addressed issues such as simony, pluralism, and clerical education.

What was the social structure in 16th-century Europe?

Nobility, Clergy, Bourgeoisie, and Peasants.