Protestant reformation

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement in the 16th century that aimed to reform the Catholic Church, initiated by Martin Luther's 95 Theses.

95 Theses

A list of grievances against the Catholic Church posted by Martin Luther in 1517, challenging practices such as indulgences.

Martin Luther

A German monk and theologian who initiated the Protestant Reformation by challenging the Catholic Church's practices.

John Calvin

A French lawyer and theologian who advanced the Protestant Reformation and emphasized predestination and the need to return to early Christian practices.

Henry VIII

King of England who initiated the Church of England and separated from the Catholic Church to annul his marriage with Catherine of Aragon.

The Act of Supremacy

A law passed by Parliament that declared Henry VIII as the supreme head of the Church of England.

The Anglican Church

The English Protestant church established by Henry VIII, separate from the Roman Catholic Church.

Elizabeth I

Queen of England, daughter of Henry VIII, who stabilized the Protestant church and reigned successfully for half a century.

Puritans

Calvinist reformers in England who sought to eliminate all traces of Catholicism from the church.

Anabaptists

A sect that believed in adult baptism and the priesthood of all believers, often persecuted for their beliefs.

Counter-Reformation

The Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation, aimed at reforming practices and doctrines.

Jesuit Order

A Catholic religious order founded by Ignatius of Loyola during the Counter-Reformation, focusing on education and missionary work.

Ignatius of Loyola

The founder of the Jesuit Order, committed to the renewal of the Catholic Church.

Peace of Augsburg

A 1555 agreement that allowed German princes to choose either Catholicism or Lutheranism as the religion of their territories.

Edict of Nantes

A 1598 decree by Henry IV of France granting religious freedom to French Calvinists.

Indulgences

Certificates sold by the Church that purportedly absolved believers from sin, a practice criticized by Martin Luther.

John Wycliffe

An early reformer who criticized the Church and was posthumously executed for heresy.

Jan Hus

A Czech priest who criticized the Catholic Church and was executed for heresy in the early 1400s.

Anne Boleyn

The second wife of Henry VIII who gave birth to Queen Elizabeth I and was executed for alleged adultery.

The Council of Trent

A series of Catholic Church meetings held between 1545 and 1563 to address issues raised by the Reformation.

Renaissance

A cultural movement marking a renewed interest in art, learning, and classical themes from ancient Greece and Rome.

Humanism

A Renaissance movement emphasizing individual potential and achievements in art, philosophy, and education.

Secularism

A focus on worldly rather than spiritual matters, emphasizing human concerns and experiences.

Leonardo da Vinci

A Renaissance artist and scientist known for masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.

Michelangelo

A Renaissance artist famous for his works including the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the sculpture of David.

Raphael

A Renaissance painter known for his depictions of the Madonna and significant works like The School of Athens.

Machiavelli

An Italian Renaissance political philosopher known for his work 'The Prince' advocating realpolitik.

Thomas More

An English humanist and statesman known for his book 'Utopia' which critiques social inequality.

Erasmus

A Dutch Renaissance scholar and theologian associated with Christian humanism.

Dante

An Italian poet known for 'The Divine Comedy' which explores themes of the afterlife.

Northern Renaissance vs Southern Renaissance

The Northern Renaissance focused on Christian humanism and individual interpretation of scripture, while the Southern Renaissance emphasized classical learning and secular ideals.