Humanism and the Reformation: 1450-1600

From Lecture Notes and Wiesner-Hanks Textbook

Where did reform begin and how was it spread at the beginning of the Reformation?

Reform began within the Catholic church, expanding through figures like Martin Luther, with spread being driven by urban networks, political support, and printing

What did reformers challenge in the Reformation?

Clerical authority, church practices, and the structure of religious life

What were the results of the Catholic Reformation?

It lead to the Catholic church being more structured, emphasising doctrine, moral reform, and missionary work, emerging from the Council of Trent and new orders such as the Jesuits

How did religion influence war and state power in the Reformation?

Confessional divisions fuelled war, revolts, and power struggles while rulers used religion to consolidate control and define state identity

How did churches influence life during the Reformation?

Churches regulated morality, marriage, and community life as confessional churches became more integrated into state structures → regional differences persist with local traditions operating alongside new structures

How did religious reform transform Early Modern Europe?

It changed European politics, identity, and culture, laying foundations for later debates of tolerance, state power, and secularisation

What was humanism?

It was a new mode of thought (departing from medieval thought) that increased consideration of the physical human experience in addition to spiritual/religious ones → placed emphasis on significance of human actions and reflection upon humanity

Who was one of the foremost thinkers of humanists and what were some of their ideas?

Erasmus argued that the writer should reflect and look at everything with an inquisitive eye → went on to inspire Martin Luther’s examination of church

How was the print revolution involved in the Reformation?

Print allowed ideas to spread widely as well as in vernacular languages 

What could be considered the start of the Reformation?

Martin Luther’s publishing of his 95 theses about challenges faced by the church that argued the church over-emphasised the need for funds, being wealthy enough on its own, and said faith was more essential than contribution

How does the church respond to Luther’s 95 theses?

They hold council and decide to excommunicate him at the insistence of Charles V, however Luther gains protection from Frederick III and wider supporters, allowing him to survive

How did the catholic church react to emerging protests?

• Charles V was slow to move, underestimating the power of the protests

• Council at Trent was held which aimed to reduce arguments of dissenters and make Catholicism more appealing, but failed

• Peace of Augsburg sees Catholics finally acknowledge Protestant Lutherans 

What are the three main methods used by the Catholics for their counter-Reformation?

1. Ideological approaches led by Jesuits encourage debate of ideas and attempt reconversion of new Protestants

2. Secular powers ask Catholic rulers to fight against Protestants and sets of religious wars break out

3. Political influence is used to lobby and dominate

Counter-Reformation succeeds, with lands being reclaimed and the spread of Protestantism slowing

Why was Protestantism appealing in the Americas?

Luther’s message was straightforward, and allowed people to get on with their lives whilst still being religious

How do state religions arise with the Reformation?

Henry VIII sees potential to break from Rome with the creation of the Anglican church and endorsement by the state, while Geneva becomes the first place to build a ‘Calvin community’

How does Calvinism emerge?

It is started by John Calvin and centres around inherent sin, salvation, and pre-destination, with arguments that are seen as opposing and rejected by Augsburg → seen as Reformed Protestantism and spread from Switzerland to other European states as well as the Americas

What are some sociological interpretations of the rise of Protestantism?

Max Weber argues that Protestantism was particularly successful due to encouraging hard work and capitalism, while others counter that the argument places Protestantism on a moral high ground