Unit 2.4–2.5 “Wars of Religion” & “Catholic Reformation

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Catherine de’ Medici

Queen mother of France who tried to balance Catholics and Protestants but worsened conflict.

Henry of Navarre (Henry IV)

Protestant king who ended wars with the Edict of Nantes and restored peace.

St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre

1572 killing of Huguenots; intensified religious violence in France.

Henry III

French king trapped between religious factions; his death ended the Valois dynasty.

War of the Three Henrys

Civil war among Henry III, Henry of Guise, and Henry of Navarre; ended with Navarre’s victory.

Edict of Nantes

1598 decree granting Huguenots limited religious freedom; ended French Wars of Religion.

Thirty Years’ War

1618–1648 European war over religion and power; devastated the Holy Roman Empire.

Cardinal Richelieu

French minister who strengthened royal power and backed Protestants for political goals.

Peace of Westphalia

1648 treaty ending the Thirty Years’ War; recognized state sovereignty and ended major religious wars.

Huguenots

French Calvinists who fought for religious freedom during the Wars of Religion.

Henry of Guise

Catholic leader who opposed Protestant influence; killed during the Wars of Religion

Philip II of Spain

Catholic king who sent the failed Spanish Armada and defended Catholicism in Europe.

Spanish Armada (1588)

Fleet sent by Philip II to invade England; its defeat marked Spain’s decline.

Elizabeth I

Protestant queen who strengthened England and defeated Spain.

Charles V

Holy Roman Emperor who tried and failed to maintain Catholic unity in his vast empire.

Defenestration of Prague

1618 act that started the Thirty Years’ War by sparking Protestant rebellion.

Habsburg Dynasty

Catholic ruling family of Austria and Spain; sought to expand Catholic power.

Catholic Reformation (Counter-Reformation)

Catholic movement to fix corruption and respond to Protestantism.

Roman Inquisition

Church court that punished heresy and enforced Catholic doctrine.

Index of Prohibited Books

List of banned works to stop heretical ideas.

Ignatius Loyola

Founder of the Jesuits who emphasized education and discipline.

Jesuits (Society of Jesus)

Catholic order focused on teaching, missionary work, and defending the pope.

Council of Trent

Catholic council (1545–1563) that reformed abuses and reaffirmed Catholic teachings.

Ursulines

Women’s order that spread Catholic education, especially for girls.

Pope Paul III

Pope who led the Catholic Reformation and called the Council of Trent.

Baroque Art

Emotional, dramatic art used to inspire faith and glorify the Church