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Introduction to Early Modern Europe

• Welcome to History 102: Overview of Early Modern Europe.

• Focus on definitions and distinctions from Medieval Europe.

• Topics: Modernity, Absolutism, Politics.

• Setting the stage for the 18th century's developments.

Key Themes of Early Modern Europe

• Profound Crises: Disruption and change in societal order.

  • Emergence from a deeply unified Christian belief system.

  • Shift from a unitary notion of Christianity to a pluralistic contestation of identities.

The Counter-Reformation

• The Counter-Reformation: A reaction from the Catholic Church against these challenges.

  • Catholicism (lowercase "c") signifies universality and dominance.

  • Established a long history and extensive institutional influence.

Reformation and Its Implications

• Significant effects of the Reformation on European history.

• Rise of Protestantism as a challenge to Catholic authority.

Overview of European States in the Early 16th Century

• Map Interpretation (1500): Representation of different state forms.

  • Centralized Monarchies: France, England, and Spain’s recovery of territory (Reconquista).

  • Holy Roman Empire: A loose coalition led by Charles V; significant in political dynamics.

    • Charles V's dual role as King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor.

  • Ottoman Empire: Rapid expansion impacting Central Europe.

Structure of Holy Roman Empire

• Holy Roman Empire's complexity as a distinct entity.

• Comparison with centralized monarchies, highlighting fragmentation.

• Important figures and territories within the empire.

European Identity in Early Modern Times

• Christian Identity: Fundamental role of Christianity across social hierarchies.

  • Most Europeans identified primarily as Christians, linking identity to Church practices.

  • Importance of the Church as an institution of power and knowledge.

  • Expansion of literacy through Church-led education, forming early universities.

The Feudal System as a Second Pillar

• Feudal Hierarchy: Intertwined with Christian Church authority.

  • Focus on power over bodies as contrasted with the Church's focus on the soul.

  • Historical retention of social structures through the ages.

Martin Luther's Critique of the Church

• Rising criticisms of the Church, dating back to high Middle Ages.

• Indulgences: The Church's practices criticized for their commercialization.

  • St. Peter’s Basilica construction funded through indulgences began significant pushback.

Luther's Background and Context

• Luther as an Augustinian monk; pivotal thoughts about salvation.

• Conversion moment leading to critiques of Church dogma.

  • Essential debate around faith and good works as means to salvation.

The 95 Theses

• 1517: Luther's 95 Theses addressed indulgences and other critiques.

  • Act of posting on the church door symbolized a challenge to Church authority.

  • Spread of ideas using the printing press amplified Luther’s message.

Diet of Worms (1521)

• Political and Religious Confrontation: Luther's appearance at the Diet.

  • He stood firm on his critiques; results in excommunication.

  • Elector of Saxony protects Luther amidst external threats.

Translation of the Bible

• Luther's translation into German: Democratization of scriptures.

  • Challenges the Church’s monopoly on the sacred texts and salvation.

  • Enabled common people access to the Word of God.

Luther's Social and Political Ambivalence

• Although a religious pioneer, Luther held conservative views on social hierarchy.

• Support for maintaining structures of power despite the theological revolution.

From Reformation to Religious Wars

• Peasants' War and Luther's Response: Challenges faced after the Reformation.

  • Luther’s condemnation of peasant revolts portrayed his conservative stance.

  • Reaction to radical movements within Protestantism revealed tension.

Family and Gender Dynamics

• Katarina von Bora: Luther's wife, reflecting traditional gender roles.

  • Marriage serves as social commentary on women’s roles within Protestantism.

Broader Impact of Protestantism

• Expansion of different Protestant Branches: Calvinism, Anabaptism.

• Institutionalization of Protestant faiths leads to significant social impacts.

Counter-Reformation Response

• Catholic Church's Counter-Reformation aims to reaffirm and reinstate authority.

  • Council of Trent: Addresses Protestant critiques while preserving core doctrines.

  • Jesuits and the Inquisition as means to combat Protestant influence.

Conclusion and Continued Fracturing of Christian Unity

• By mid-16th century, the universality of Christianity critically challenged.

• Socio-political implications of religious divisions begin shaping European history.

Supplementary Notes from the Council of Trent

• Decrees affirming the Vulgate Bible as authentic source.

• Restrictions on personal interpretations of scripture to maintain Church authority.