Wyclif Hus and Bohemian Nationalism Context Flashcards
What was the background and context for the Hussite movement?
The Hussite movement must be seen as the product of decades’ worth of ethnic conflict, ecclesiastical anxieties, clerical failures, Wycliffite influence, schism, and royal weakness.
Who was Charles IV, and what was his contribution to the development of the Hussite movement?
Charles IV reigned from 1346-78. His establishment of Charles University in Prague was to be an important ground for ethnic conflict, as well as doctrinal discussion. Charles’ interest in collecting relics brought Prague to become a centre for saints’ cults and wealthy churches.
Who were some of the reform preachers in Prague before Jan Hus, and what were their criticisms of the Church?
The first was Conrad Waldhauser, who attacked the clergy with the usual criticisms of simony, clerical hypocrisy, and sexual misbehaviour. Waldhauser had sowed the seeds of reform before his death in 1369, to be continued by preachers like Jan Milic (more Church criticism and brothel takeovers) and Matthew of Janov (writing on the scriptures).
What was the importance of Bethlehem Chapel in Prague?
Bethlehem Chapel was a place for vernacular preaching and was inspired by scriptural scenes. It became the center of the reform movement.
What was the ethnic-linguistic rivalry that developed into the late 14th century, and how did it contribute to the Hussite movement?
There was an ethnic-linguistic rivalry between native Czech-speaking Bohemians and German Colonists. Under Charles IV’s rule, an increasing number of public offices fell in Papal rights of provision, and Germans were the predominant nation restored to these high positions. The Bohemian nobility were the losers of this arrangement.
Examples of German ethnic-linguistic rivalry
Seeing as they dominated the highest positions of Church, Trade, and Government, there was also a heavy German presence at Charles University: German governance outnumbered Czech 3-1.
Who was the King of Hungary during Wenceslaus IV’s reign, and how did this affect him?
Sigismund, Wenceslaus IV’s brother, was the King of Hungary during his reign. Wenceslaus needed to pay much attention to Sigismund to keep him at bay.
Who was Wenceslaus IV, and how did his incompetence contribute to the development of the Hussite movement?
Wenceslaus IV (1378-1419) faced unrelenting opposition from the Czech nobility, and was even once imprisoned by them. Finally, he suffered the embarrassment of never being crowned emperor. Any Royal support for Reform evaporated (Deane) under Wenceslaus. He had switched allegiance from Rome to Avignon to further his political agenda, and the King and Archbishop Jenstein’s disagreements over the extent of reform (Jenstein’s deputy was mysteriously murdered and he resigned) drove an unbridgeable gap between Crown and Church Reform.
What was the extent of Wenceslaus IV’s involvement in church reform, and how did this affect the movement?
Wenceslaus IV had switched allegiance from Rome to Avignon to further his political agenda. The disagreements over the extent of reform between the King and Archbishop Jenstein drove an unbridgeable gap between Crown and Church Reform. Any royal support for reform evaporated under Wenceslaus.
What was the significance of the Council of Constance in the Hussite movement?
The Council of Constance was significant because it was where Jan Hus was executed in 1415. The council marked the beginning of the Hussite Wars.
What was the role of Wyclifite influence in the Hussite movement?
Wyclifite influence played a part in the Hussite movement. Wycliffe’s ideas had reached Bohemia, and his writings were studied at Charles University.
What was the importance of the schism in Rome and Avignon for the Hussite movement?
The schism in Rome and Avignon undermined the Papacy’s moral and pastoral authority across the background of Bohemian reformist movements. Urban VI in Rome and Clement VII in Avignon only compounded spiritual anxieties across Christendom.
