Crash Course World History: The Protestant Reformation

Introduction

• Presenter: John Green
• Focus: Protestant Reformation
  • Importance of religious history to understand historical perspectives
  • Described as a significant event, shaping views and leading to European literacy and political changes

Pre-Reformation Christianity

• Dominance of Roman Catholicism in Europe
• Catholic Church: a powerful institution controlling religious and social aspects
  • Role of parish priests in life events
  • Church controlled over 1/3 of European land
  • Pope claimed authority over European kings

Martin Luther and the Start of Reformation

• Martin Luther: Initiator of the Reformation
• Background: Law student turned monk after a life-threatening storm
• Experience in Rome: Disillusioned by church corruption
• Discovery of "sola fide" (faith alone) from St. Paul’s epistles

Conflict with the Church

• John Tetzel and Indulgences: Selling indulgences as a way to reduce purgatory time
• Luther’s Reaction: 95 Theses against indulgences
  • Critique of church rituals, papal infallibility, and the priesthood
  • Concept of "priesthood of all believers"

Luther's Impact

• Called to defend his ideas at the Diet of Worms
• Importance of the Printing Press in spreading Luther’s ideas
  • Writings circulated widely, leading to public discourse
• Translation of the Bible into German: Made scripture accessible to non-priests

Spinoff Movements and Religious Fragmentation

• Emergence of new denominations: Zwinglians, Calvinists, Anabaptists, etc.
• Social and religious revolts stemming from doctrinal disputes
  • Example: German Peasants’ Revolt
  • Luther’s stance on revolt: Supported existing social order

Political Aspects of the Reformation

• Example of rulers adopting Lutheranism for political gain
  • Albert of the Teutonic Order as the first ruler to break with the Pope
  • Many rulers saw opportunity in seizing church assets

Religious and Political Outcomes

• Reformation as both a religious and political movement
• Long-term effects: Increased religious tolerance, influence on capitalism, protest, and reform movements

Conclusion

• Protestant Reformation led to significant religious and political changes
• Modern religious protest and reform movements have historical roots in the Reformation

Quote: "Don't forget to be awesome."

End Note: Crash Course World History exists due to viewer support and voluntary subscriptions at Subbable.com.