wars of religion ap euro

What was the significance of Queen Elizabeth I's reversal of Mary Tudor's religious policies?

Elizabeth I reversed Mary Tudor's Catholic course via the 'Elizabethan Settlement,' re-establishing Protestantism in England.

How did Elizabeth I's relationship with Philip II of Spain influence international politics?

Elizabeth refused Philip II's marriage request and supported the Protestant Netherlands in their revolt against Spain, leading Philip to seek revenge and plan the failed 1588 Spanish Armada invasion.

What was the outcome and significance of the Spanish Armada in 1588?

The Spanish Armada's invasion of England failed due to storms and England's more effective navy, signaling the rise of England as a world naval power.

What were the main factions involved in the French Wars of Religion and their motivations?

Valois dynasty and Guise family sought to maintain Catholic control; the Calvinist Huguenots (many nobles, including Bourbons) sought religious reform and political independence; these tensions led to at least 9 wars between 1562-1598.

What triggered the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre and what was its consequence?

the massacre was triggered by the murder of a Huguenot leader before the marriage intended to reconcile Catholics and Huguenots; Catherine de Médicis ordered the killing of about 20,000 Huguenots, leading to the War of the Three Henrys.

How did Henry IV (Henry of Navarre) bring an end to the French Wars of Religion?

Henry IV became the first Bourbon king, converted to Catholicism for political unity, and issued the Edict of Nantes in 1598 granting limited religious toleration to Huguenots, marking a truce and gradual move toward absolutism.

What were the key features and limitations of the Edict of Nantes?

It allowed Huguenots private worship (not public), denied worship in Paris and staunch Catholic cities, granted access to universities, public offices, and fortified towns; it was more a truce than true religious toleration

Why did the Peace of Augsburg (1555) fail to prevent the Thirty Years' War?

It allowed only Catholicism and Lutheranism in the Holy Roman Empire, excluding Calvinism; factionalism and religious tensions, especially after restrictions imposed by the emperor, eventually triggered conflict.

Outline the four phases of the Thirty Years' War and their main events.

Bohemian Phase: triggered by Defenestration of Prague, Protestant defeat in Bohemia. Danish Phase: height of Catholic power, led by Wallenstein, Edict of Restitution restoring church lands. Swedish Phase: Protestant pushback under Gustavus Adolphus, temporary gains. French Phase: France allied with Protestants politically under Cardinal Richelieu to counter Habsburg power.

How did the Treaty of Westphalia (1648) change the religious and political landscape of Europe?

It renewed Peace of Augsburg adding Calvinism, guaranteed Germany's political and religious division, confirmed decentralization of the Holy Roman Empire, recognized independence of Netherlands and Switzerland, and weakened Habsburg influence.

What were the major consequences of the Thirty Years' War for Germany and Europe?

Germany was devastated demographically and politically divided, ended wars of religion, elevated France as dominant power, and led to balance of power diplomacy. The Spanish and Austrian Habsburgs lost influence.

Describe the causes of the English Civil War under the Stuart monarchy.

Conflict stemmed from Stuart kings' belief in divine right and absolutism, attempts to tax without Parliament, religious persecution of Puritans, and disputes over civil liberties leading to war between royalist Cavaliers and Parliamentarian Roundheads.

Who was Oliver Cromwell and what role did he play during and after the English Civil War?

Cromwell was a Puritan military leader who led the New Model Army to defeat the king, purged Parliament of non-Puritans, became Lord Protector, and ruled England as a Puritan dictator enforcing strict moral codes until his death in 1658.

What was the Interregnum in England and how did it affect governance and society?

The Interregnum (1649-1660) was the period without a king, featuring a failed republic (Commonwealth), Cromwell's dictatorship (Protectorate), persecution of Anglicans and Catholics, brutal suppression in Ireland and Scotland, and strong moral regulation.

How did religion shape the political alliances and strategies during the Thirty Years' War?

Religious allegiance was intertwined with political motives; Catholic France allied with Protestant forces to prevent Habsburg dominance, while religious toleration issues inflamed conflict, showing politics often overrode confessional loyalties.