Politics of the Reformation: The Wars of Religion

Religion Divides Europe The creation of Protestantism during the Reformation started because of religious differences, but it led to important political changes in Europe. Religious differences and hatreds caused war and destruction in many countries

ENGLAND

Chaos after the death of Henry VIII Mary Tudor ( ) “Bloody Mary” Catholic daughter of Henry VIII Treated Protestant minority in England very harshly (burned hundreds of them) Tried to keep England a Catholic state Watch the video about the Reformation in England: english-reformation#protestand-reformation-english- reformation

England Under Elizabeth I ( ) Re-established Protestantism in England Strong ruler, but more tolerant of different religions Catholic Spain was a threat to her Spain wanted England to be Catholic again and even sent its Armada (naval fleet) to try to invade England 1588-England defeated the Spanish Armada England became the leading Protestant country in Europe during her reign Increased exploration and colonization Strengthened the Anglican Church Promoted English literature (Shakespeare) Known as the Virgin Queen because she never got married You can read here for more information: begins begins

This famous painting of Elizabeth indicates how powerful she was-note she is literally standing on top of the world

SPAIN

Sixteenth Century Spain Ruled by Philip II ( ) VERY Catholic and opposed to the Protestant Reformation Dedicated himself to fighting Protestantism in other countries Attempted to invade England in 1588, but instead lost his Armada In the next century, Spain’s power declined greatly

FRANCE

The Wars of Religion: France Protestants in France had a special name: Huguenots A small % of the population, but includes many nobles Calvinist and politically influential Wars between the Protestants and Catholics raged between Though the wars involve religion, politics and power are the primary reasons the fighting takes place

Look at the details-what is happening here?

St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, 1572 The previous image showed the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre It started in Paris, but spread throughout France for 3 days Over 20,000 Huguenots were killed by Catholics Leads to the rise of Militant Protestantism Huguenots that weren’t killed viewed themselves as fighting for survival against cruel Catholic “devils”

Henry IV Huguenot noble that rises to power (1589) Realizes France must be led by a moderate Catholic king Converts to Catholicism

The Edict of Nantes An edict is a law Passed by Henry IV in1598 Ends French wars of religion Protestantism is allowed to be practiced, though Catholicism is the official religion Protects the political rights and religious freedom of the Huguenots

GERMANY

Holy Roman Empire=Germany Loose collection of states and provinces led by different nobles, some are Catholic, while others have become Protestants An emperor, who is Catholic, is the ruler of the whole empire

Early Wars of Religion Early rebellions about religion against the emperor are ended by the Peace of Augsburg in 1555…kind of The ruler of each state was allowed to choose the official religion for his land Catholic or Lutheran only Individual subjects had no choices

The Thirty-Years War The Holy Roman Empire continued to be divided by religion, and it reached a boiling point in 1618, with the Defenestration of Prague…

The Thirty Years War Begins To defenestrate means to throw someone out of a window-which is exactly what happened in Prague to some visiting Catholic representatives of the emperor! This started a huge war.

The Thirty-Years War Lasted from Most European powers will become involved at some point Last major war of religion in Europe Devastated Germany Approx. 1/3 of Germany’s pop. died Ended with the Treaty of Westphalia

Effects of the Thirty Years War Political alliances start to be more important than religious ones Protestants and Catholics worked together if it was politically advantageous The Pope had no say in the peace treaty, symbolizing his weakening power Beginning of State System in Europe People are more loyal to their state, not their religion Signals the rise of France and the fall of Spain

Europe after the Treaty of Westphalia: