Europe in Crisis: The Wars of Religion Chapter 7, Section Europe in Crisis: The Wars of Religion Section 1

Chapter 7, Section 1 Europe in Crisis: The Wars of Religion * By 1560, Calvinism & Catholicism had become militant religions, and their struggles were the main cause of the 16th century religious wars. -differences between Calvinist and Catholics? * The French Wars of Religion (1562-1598) devastated France as French Calvinists called Huguenots (led by Henry of Navarre) fought against the Catholic Valois monarchy & the ultra-Catholic Guise family. Social political and economic forces all had a role in the religious wars.

* In 1589, Henry of Navarre converted to Catholicism & succeeded to the throne as Henry IV in France. * this would finally end the violence because in 1598, Henry issued the Edict of Nantes. This was to protect the Huguenot minority in France but still make Catholicism the official religion.

Time line 1560 – Protestants and Catholics becoming combative Huguenots – French protestants influenced by John Calvin (7% of Pop.) -leader: Henry of Navarre -became King of France 1594 -converted to Catholicism Edict of Nantes - Recognized Catholicism as official religion of France - Huguenots have the right to worship and hold public offices

* King Philip II, ruler of Spain from 1556 to 1598, was the greatest supporter of militant Catholicism. He reigned during a period of cultural & political greatness in Spain. * Philip II strengthened his control over his lands (Spain, the Netherlands, & parts of Italy and the Americas) by insisting on strict adherence to Catholicism & support for the monarchy.

* Philip II became a champion of Catholicism, battling the Turks in the Mediterranean & the Calvinists in the Netherlands. Philip’s forces defeated the Turks, but were resisted by the Dutch prince William the Silent. * At the end of Philip’s reign, Spain seemed to be a great power, but it was not. Spain was bankrupt, the economy was a mess, the armed forces were out-of-date, and the government was inefficient.

* In 1558, Elizabeth Tudor ascended to the throne of England. * Elizabeth tried to resolve religious conflicts by repealing laws favoring Catholics & having the Church of England practice a moderate Protestantism. * Elizabeth was a moderate in foreign affairs as well, using England to help maintain the balance of power in Europe, especially between the 2 major powers of France & Spain.

England after the Creation of the English church. Elizabeth I faced many Challenges Daughter of Henry VIII England had gone through religious division Saw the need to unify England Parliament passed Act of Supremacy: became head of Church and state

Church of England (Anglican) Church under Elizabeth was a moderate Protestantism (kept most people satisfied) Elizabeth stated it was not her intention “to pry windows into men’s souls.” She wanted loyalty & obedience

Working for Peace

Elizabeth Tudor Elizabeth’s Foreign Policy Avoided war (save $) Tried to weaken Spain and France -encouraged piracy (Francis Drake) Encouraged exploration & trade However eventually she had to act to support Protestantism. The Dutch were at a stand still with the Spanish trying to force Catholicism on them.

Insulting the Spanish Elizabeth’s support of Dutch Protestants & sanctioned attacks against Spanish ships sailing from the Americas! This led to Spain’s attempted invasion of England in 1588 by the Spanish Armada. Phillip II could not lose spainsh control over the Netherlands

Hoping to restore Catholicism to power, Philip tried to invade England by sending the Spanish armada But England was ready and they were met with disastrous results.

* The Spanish Armada was battered & destroyed by the smaller, faster, more heavily armed English fleet. The Spanish military never fully recovered from the defeat, and Britain was on its way to becoming a major power.