Heimler's History: Religion and Empire Expansion 1450-1750

Introduction

• Focus on how land-based empires used religion from 1450 to 1750.
• Religion as both a unifying force and a potential source of division.

Christian Schism

Context

• Dominance of the Roman Catholic Church in Europe.
• Transition from feudalism to centralized monarchies led to a challenge of church authority.

Factors Leading to Schism

• Loss of cultural continuity: Kings competed for allegiance.
• Inability to address crises like the Black Death.
• Theological disputes and corruption:
  • John Wycliffe translated the Bible into vernacular language.
  • Corrupt practices like selling indulgences and simony.

Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation

• Martin Luther’s challenge:
  • Found salvation in faith alone in Romans chapter 1.
  • Critiqued church practices through his 95 Theses in 1517.
• Spread of ideas due to the printing press.
• Protestant Reformation:
  • Permanent split in the Christian Church.
  • Spread to Geneva (John Calvin) and Scotland (John Knox).

Catholic Counter-Reformation

• Council of Trent (1545-1563):
  • Acknowledged and corrected corrupt practices.
  • Reaffirmed opposition to Protestant doctrine.

Islamic Schism

Sunni vs. Shia

• Conflict between Ottoman Empire (Sunni) and Safavid Empire (Shia).
• Safavids imposed Shia Islam, denying Sunni legitimacy.

Territorial and Religious Disputes

• Constant disputes over territory and religious legitimacy.
• Ottoman Sultan’s harsh declaration against the Safavid ruler in 1514.
• Ongoing conflict between Sunni and Shia Muslims.

Mughal Empire and Religious Tolerance

• Ruler Akbar's approach:
  • Promoted religious tolerance.
  • Granted land equally to Hindus and Muslims.
  • Supported various religions, including Catholic Church in India.
  • Supported Sikhism.

Conclusion

• The role of religion in empire expansion and conflict.
• Akbar’s example of tolerance as a potential model.

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