Overview
This lecture covers the transformation of Europe from 1500–1800, focusing on religious, political, and economic changes including the Protestant Reformation, the rise of nation-states, and the development of constitutional government.
Course Expectations
- Read the chapter before and after the lecture.
- Cornell notes are required for each flipped lecture and will be graded.
- Assignments and additional tasks follow each lecture.
The Protestant Reformation
- Martin Luther challenged the Catholic Church in 1517, criticizing indulgences and church corruption.
- Luther advocated for personal faith, vernacular Bibles, closure of monasteries, and reduced priestly authority.
- Luther's 95 Theses spread rapidly due to the printing press.
- Luther's main doctrines: salvation by faith alone, scripture as sole authority, and grace alone.
Spread and Impact of Reformation
- Reform ideas spread through Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, England, and France.
- England formed the Anglican Church after Henry VIII's conflict with the Pope.
- John Calvin expanded on Luther's ideas, introducing predestination.
- Religious reforms weakened papal authority and empowered local rulers.
Catholic (Counter) Reformation
- Catholic Church responded with the Council of Trent (1545–1563) to reform practices and doctrine.
- The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) was founded to educate and spread Catholicism.
- Jesuits became important educators and missionaries.
Religious Conflict and Witch Hunts
- Tension between Catholics and Protestants led to witch hunts (mostly targeting single or widowed women).
- Over 110,000 trials and 45,000 executions in Europe; 36 executions in colonial New England.
- Religious wars occurred in France, the Netherlands, and the Thirty Years' War devastated Germany.
Political Transformations
- Princes and states asserted independence from the Holy Roman Empire, leading to fragmented Europe.
- New monarchies in Italy, England, France, and Spain used taxation and land confiscation to strengthen state power.
- Spanish Inquisition enforced Catholic orthodoxy through torture and execution.
Rise of Constitutional States
- England and the Netherlands developed representative institutions.
- England became a constitutional monarchy; the Netherlands became a republic.
- English Civil War led to temporary Puritan rule, followed by the Glorious Revolution and a constitutional monarchy.
- The Dutch Republic gained independence from Spain and formed a parliamentary government.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Indulgence — payment to the Catholic Church for forgiveness of sins.
- Excommunication — being officially excluded from participation in church sacraments.
- Vernacular — the language spoken by ordinary people.
- Predestination — belief that God has predetermined who will be saved.
- Council of Trent — Catholic council to reform and clarify church doctrine.
- Jesuits — Catholic religious order focused on education and missionary work.
- Constitutional monarchy — government where a monarch shares power under a constitution.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Re-read the chapter section up to the Glorious Revolution.
- Prepare Cornell notes for class grading.
- Be ready for part two of Chapter 23 in the next session.