Wars of Religion

Question 1

What is the context behind the religious division in Europe?

Answer 1

Martin Luther’s 95 Thesis (1517) criticizes Church, sparking establishment of Protestant denominations. Europe was mostly Roman Catholic, prior to this.

Question 2

What were some of the key beliefs in Roman Catholocism?

Answer 2

Church/church interpretation and bible essential for faith. Role of papacy- Pope has divine authority to guide Church.

Question 3

What were some of the key beliefs of Protestantism?

Answer 3

Sola scriptura- bible alone is ultimate authority, rejecting need for Church tradition. Christians have direct access to God without need for priest. Rejection of papal authority (personal interpretation of faith).

Question 4

Who was the Valois Dynasty?

Answer 4

The ruling family of France during the Wars of Religion

Question 5

Who was Henry II?

Answer 5

The King from 1547 to 1559- his reign saw increased tensions between Catholics and Protestants

Question 6

Who was Francis II?

Answer 6

Henry II son. Reign marked power struggles of Guise family.

Question 7

Who was Charles IX?

Answer 7

Reigned from 1560-1574. Heavily influenced by mother.

Question 8

What did the Guise family do?

Answer 8

Powerful Catholic family. Sought to eradicate Protestantism in France.

Question 9

Who were the Bourbons?

Answer 9

Descended from Louis IX. Convert to Protestants and become leaders of the Huguenots.

Question 10

What happened to the Huguenots?

Answer 10

These French protestants faced severe persecution from Catholic authorities, leading to rise of conflict.

Question 11

Which marriage alliance lead to St Bartholomew’s Massacre (1572)?

Answer 11

Henry of Navarre (Protestant) and Marguerite of Valais (Catholic) intended to unify religious tension, instead amplified it.

Question 12

When was St Bartholomew’s Massacre and what happened?

Answer 12

1572. Thousands of Huguenots killed in Paris and France, beginning with the assassination of Admiral Coligny. Extends civil war.

Question 13

What was and when was the war of the 3 Henry’s?

Answer 13

1585-1589. Civil war between Henry of Guise (catholic), Henry III (current King) and Henry of Naverre (Protestant and winner).

Question 14

Who does Henry of Navarre become?

Answer 14

He becomes Henry IV and with support from Protestants and moderates, converts to Catholicism with efforts to unify France.

Question 15

What and when was the Edict of Nantes?

Answer 15

1598. It was a landmark decree which granted rights to Huguenots, including the freedom of worship and right to hold public office.

Question 16

What was the Peace of Augsburg and when was it?

Answer 16

The Peace of Augsburg (1555) allowed princes to determine the religion of own territories (Catholicism or Lutheranism), but did not account for Anabaptists or Calvinists.

Question 17

What is the Bohemian conflict?

Answer 17

The election of Ferdinand II (Catholic) annoys Calvinists.

Question 18

What does the election of Ferdinand II cause?

Answer 18

The Defenestration of Prague (1618), where nobles throw Ferdinand’s representatives out a window, sparking the Thirty Years’ War.

Question 19

What treaties end the Thirty Years War and when were they?

Answer 19

Treaties of Westphalia in 1648.

Question 20

What do the Treaties of Westphalia do?

Answer 20

Recognize sovereignty of states and their right to self-determination. Spain’s influence decreases, France emerges as dominant power. Religious tolerance made (rights granted to Catholics, Lutherans and Calvinists).

Question 21

What technological innovations come about after the wars?

Answer 21

Gunpowder, Advancements in surgery (Military revolution).