Chapter 1: Introduction to Protestant Reformation

Unit two of the AP European History curriculum is crucial for students aiming for high marks. Understanding the Protestant Reformation and the subsequent wars of religion is essential for success on the exam. The historical context begins with the Christian church's split in 1054, which resulted in the formation of the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. For centuries, the Roman Catholic Church held a dominant position in Western Europe, and for those dissatisfied with it, alternative options like Baptist or Methodist churches simply did not exist.

By the 1500s, the Catholic Church had intertwined itself in politics and amassed significant wealth, leading to widespread corruption. Key forms of this corruption included:

• Simony: The buying and selling of church offices, where positions such as archbishop were given based on monetary contributions rather than merit.

• Nepotism: Favoritism in appointing family and friends to church roles, compromising the quality of church leadership.

• Indulgences: The church’s practice of allowing people to purchase salvation or relief from purgatory, rationalized as necessary funding for church projects like the renovation of St. Peter's Basilica.

The atmosphere of corruption paved the way for reformers like Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk and Christian humanist. Luther’s transformative insights began with a study of the Book of Romans, leading him to advocate for salvation by grace alone through faith, in stark contrast to the Catholic view that faith and good works were prerequisites for salvation.

Chapter 2: Martin Luther's Theology

Luther’s beliefs also emphasized that scripture should be the sole authority for Christians, rejecting papal authority and church dogma. He championed the idea of the "priesthood of all believers," asserting that all Christians share access to God without an intermediary. This theological foundation was key to his eventual protest against the Church.

Chapter 3: The 95 Theses

On October 31, 1517, Luther’s mounting grievances culminated in the posting of his 95 theses on the door of Wittenberg’s church. Luther did not initially intend these theses to spark widespread reform; rather, he sought to initiate a discussion amongst educated clergy about church corruption. However, the advent of the printing press facilitated rapid dissemination of his ideas throughout the German states of the Holy Roman Empire.

Chapter 4: The Role of the Printing Press

The printing press was pivotal in spreading Luther's theses. Within a short time, these ideas gained traction, resonating with many Germans who shared Luther’s concerns over the Church’s abuses, leading to widespread acceptance of his calls for reform.

Chapter 5: The Diet of Worms

As Luther's ideas gained prominence, church authorities reacted aggressively. At the Diet of Worms, Luther was charged with heresy and ordered to recant his views. His refusal resulted in excommunication, but he found refuge under the protection of Prince Frederick III. The support Luther received from certain German princes stemmed not from pure religious fervor, but rather from a desire to challenge the pope’s authority and enhance their own political power.

Luther was not the first to oppose the Catholic Church; predecessors like John Wycliffe and Jan Huss laid early groundwork for reform. However, Luther’s ability to leverage the printing press set his protests apart and allowed them to gain unparalleled momentum.

Chapter 6: Expansion of the Reformation

From Germany, Reformation ideas spread rapidly to Switzerland, led by John Calvin. Initially a supporter of Luther's ideas, Calvin diverged on key doctrines, particularly regarding salvation and predestination. Two of Calvin's significant theological contributions included:

• Predestination: The belief that God predetermined who would be saved, which means salvation is not based on human choice.

• Doctrine of the Elect: This posited that those chosen by God (the elect) could ascertain their status by their desire for salvation and ensuing good works.

Calvin also emphasized that the accumulation of wealth could signify election, yet stressed the importance of using that wealth to assist the needy.

Chapter 7: Calvin's Theocratic Governance in Geneva

In Calvin's Geneva, the church and state were closely intertwined, operating under the principle of theocracy where biblical law governed civic life. Citizens were mandated to attend church services regularly, with strict penalties for non-compliance. This rigid enforcement reflected Calvin’s belief that obedience indicated one's election among the faithful.

Chapter 8: Calvin's Written Works

Calvin articulated his theological framework comprehensively in "The Institutes of the Christian Religion," an essential text that provided structure and clarity to Protestant doctrine. The continued dissemination of Calvin’s ideas led to the growth of various Protestant sects across Europe, including Presbyterians, Huguenots, and Puritans.

Chapter 9: Emergence of the Anabaptists

During this period, another distinct group known as the Anabaptists arose. Though they shared core Reformation principles with Luther and Calvin, they diverged on the issue of baptism, specifically opposing infant baptism, which both reformers supported. The Anabaptists highlighted the ongoing developments and complexities within the broader Reformation, illustrating the diverse beliefs that would emerge from this transformative period.