1500-1600 Notes

St Bart's Massacre: A significant event in the French Wars of Religion, marked by the mass slaughter of Huguenots (French Protestants) on August 24, 1572.
- Context: Occurred shortly after the marriage of the Catholic King's sister to Henry of Navarre, a leader of the Huguenots.
- Implications: Greater violent clash between Catholics and Protestants in France, leading to prolonged warfare.
Dissolution of Monasteries in England: A crucial phase in the English Reformation initiated by Henry VIII, which aimed to consolidate power and wealth.
- Description: The process, completed by 1540, involved the closing and disbanding of monasteries, priories, convents, and friaries in England, Wales and Ireland.
- Results: Significant wealth transfer to the Crown, decrease in monastic education.

Cortes: A Spanish conquistador known for his role in the fall of the Aztec Empire.
Pizarro: A Spanish conquistador who conquered the Incan Empire.

Reformation: A religious movement in the 16th century that led to the establishment of Protestantism.
- Key Figures: Martin Luther, John Calvin; major teachings centered on justification by faith, the authority of scripture, and priesthood of all believers.
Counter Reformation: The Catholic Church's response to the Reformation, aimed at revitalizing Catholicism and combating Protestantism.
- Key Methods: Clarification of doctrines, reformation of church practices, and establishment of the Jesuits to spread Catholic faith.
Council of Trent (1545-1563): A pivotal ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church during the Counter-Reformation.
- Objective: To address issues of corruption within the Church and reaffirm Catholic doctrine.
- Outcomes: Established important reforms, including the standardization of the Mass, and affirmed the role of tradition in addition to scripture.

Renaissance: A cultural movement spanning roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, characterized by a revival of classical learning and arts.
- Notable Artists: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael.
Baroque: An artistic style prevalent in the 17th century, noted for its dramatic use of light, bold colors, and emotional intensity.
- Examples: Works by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Rembrandt.

Henry IV: King of France, known for his conversion to Catholicism and for issuing the Edict of Nantes.
Henry VIII: King of England who initiated the English Reformation.
Elizabeth I: Queen of England; her reign is noted for the flourishing of English drama and the defeat of the Spanish Armada.
Charles V: Holy Roman Emperor; ruled over a vast territory including Spain, parts of Italy, and the Americas.
Phillip II: King of Spain, known for his role in the Spanish Armada and as a staunch opponent of Protestantism.

Spanish Armada (1588): A failed invasion of England by Spain; a turning point that marked the decline of Spanish dominion.
War of 3 Henrys (1589-1598): Civil war in France involving King Henry III, Henry of Navarre, and Henry I of Guise; vital in the larger context of the French Wars of Religion.
Charles V and Lutheran Princes: Tensions arising from the Protestant Reformation leading to conflicts such as the Schmalkaldic War.
Dutch Revolt (1568-1648): A revolt by Protestant Dutch against Spanish rule, which eventually led to the independence of the Netherlands.

Erasmus: A Dutch philosopher and theologian known for his works advocating education and reform of the Church, including "In Praise of Folly."
Thomas More: An English lawyer and statesman, best known for his book "Utopia," which depicted an ideal society.
Martin Luther: Theologian who famously challenged the Catholic Church with his 95 Theses in 1517.
John Calvin: Reformer known for his teachings on predestination and the absolute sovereignty of God.
Ulrich Zwingli: A leader of the Reformation in Switzerland, emphasizing scripture over traditional Church practices.
Ignatius of Loyola: Founder of the Jesuit order, aimed at reinforcing Catholic doctrine and engaging in education and missionary work.
Montaigne: A French writer known for his development of the essay as a literary form and skepticism about absolutism.
Copernicus: Astronomer who proposed a heliocentric solar system, challenging geocentric doctrines.
Kepler: Mathematician and astronomer known for his laws of planetary motion, furthering the understanding of heliocentrism.

Commercial Revolution: A period of European economic expansion, colonialism, and mercantilism from the late 11th century to the early 18th century.
- Features: Increased trade networks, rise of merchant capitalism, and the development of banking systems.

Peace of Augsburg (1555): Treaty allowing for the coexistence of Catholicism and Lutheranism in the Holy Roman Empire.
Edict of Nantes (1598): Granted Huguenots substantial rights in a primarily Catholic nation, aimed at ending religious conflict in France.