AP European History Unit 1.3 Vocab and Important Concepts

95 Theses

A list of propositions for debate written by Martin Luther in 1517 that criticized the practices of the Catholic Church, particularly the sale of indulgences

Anabaptists

A radical Protestant sect that emerged in the early 16th century, advocating for adult baptism and a separation from state influence in religious matters

Catholic Reformation/Counter Reformation

A movement initiated in the 16th century aimed at reforming the Roman Catholic Church in response to the challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation

Christian Humanism

A movement that emerged during the Renaissance, emphasizing the importance of human values and ethics grounded in Christian teachings

Council of Trent

An ecumenical council of the Catholic Church held between 1545 and 1563 in response to the Protestant Reformation

Elizabeth I

The Queen of England from 1558 until her death in 1603, known for her strong leadership and the Elizabethan Era, a period marked by English cultural flourishing and expansion

Erasmus

A Dutch Renaissance humanist, theologian, and scholar, renowned for his critical approach to church doctrine and his advocacy for reform within Christianity

French Wars of Religion

A series of conflicts from 1562 to 1598 primarily between French Catholics and Huguenots (French Protestants), marked by political struggles for power and religious dominance

Henry VIII (England)

The king of England from 1509 until his death in 1547, known for his role in the English Reformation, which marked a significant shift in religious and political power in Europe

Jesuits

A Roman Catholic religious order founded in 1540 by Ignatius of Loyola

John Calvin

A French theologian and reformer in the Protestant Reformation known for his influential work in developing the system of Christian theology later called Calvinism

Martin Luther

A German theologian and religious reformer whose actions sparked the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century

Religious Pluralism

The acceptance and coexistence of multiple religious beliefs and practices within a society

Book of Common Prayer

A liturgical text first published in England in 1549 during the English Reformation, providing a unified standard for worship in English rather than Latin

Catherine de Medici

A powerful Italian noblewoman who became the queen consort of Henry II of France and served as regent for her sons during the French Wars of Religion

Charles V (HRE)

The Holy Roman Emperor from 1519 to 1556 and King of Spain from 1516, representing one of the most significant political figures in European history during the 16th century

Dutch Religious Pluralism

The Dutch Republic’s policy of widespread, pragmatic tolerance and acceptance of diverse religious beliefs and practices, particularly after the Protestant Reformation, fostering an environment where multiple faiths coexisted to promote national unity and economic success

Henry IV (France)

The first Bourbon king of France who reigned from 1589 to 1610, best known for his role in ending the French Wars of Religion and establishing the Edict of Nantes

Huguenots

French Protestants, primarily Calvinists, who faced severe persecution in predominantly Catholic France during the 16th and 17th centuries

Indulgences

A practice in the Catholic Church where believers could reduce their time in purgatory by performing certain actions, like giving money to the Church or completing specific good deeds

Nepotism

The practice of favoring relatives of friends when it comes to appointments, promotions, or other benefits, especially in political and organizational contexts

Philip II (Spain)

The king who ruled from 1556 to 1598, known for his strong centralized government and efforts to expand Spanish influence across Europe and the Americas

Pluralism

The practice of a single clergyman holding multiple church offices simultaneously and the existence of multiple religious beliefs and groups within a society

Puritans

A group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who sought to “purify” the Church of England from Catholic practices and believed in strict religious discipline and moral living

Roman Inquisition

A system of tribunals established by the Catholic Church in the 16th century to combat heresy and maintain Catholic doctrine

Simony

The act of buying or selling ecclesiastical privileges, such as church offices or sacraments

Sir Thomas More

A 16th-century English lawyer, philosopher, and statesman who is best known for his book “Utopia”

Spanish Armada

A large fleet sent by Spain in 1588 with the intention of invading England and overthrowing Queen Elizabeth I

St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre

A targeted series of killings of Huguenots (French Protestants) that took place on August 24, 1572, in Paris, during a time of intense religious conflict in France

St. Teresa of Avila

A prominent Spanish mystic and reformer of the Carmelite Order during the 16th century, known for her deep spiritual writings and efforts to promote a more contemplative approach to prayer

The Index of Prohibited Books

A list established by the Catholic Church that prohibited certain publications deemed heretical or dangerous to the faith

Ursulines

A Roman Catholic religious order founded by St. Angela Merici in 1535, dedicated to the education of girls and women

War of the Three Henries

The final and most intense conflict within the French Wars of Religion, a power struggle between the King Henry III, the Ultra-Catholic Henry of Guise, and the Protestant Huguenot leader Henry of Navarre