AP European History: Unit 2 Summary

Importance of Unit 2

• Key to achieving an A in class and a 5 on the exam.
• Focus on the Protestant Reformation and subsequent Wars of Religion.

Historical Context

• 1054: First major split of the Christian church.
  • Resulted in Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church.
  • Roman Catholicism dominated Western Europe.

Corruption in the Catholic Church (1500s)

• Simony: Buying and selling of church offices.
• Nepotism: Appointing family and friends to positions.
• Indulgences: Selling salvation or relief from purgatory.

Martin Luther's Role

• Augustinian monk and Christian humanist.
• Studied the book of Romans.
  • Salvation through grace alone vs. Catholic Church's emphasis on good works.
• Promoted the Scriptures as the sole authority.
• 95 Theses (1517): Critique of church corruption, sparked discussion and reform.
• Excommunicated for refusing to recant at the Diet of Worms.

The Spread of Reformation Ideas

• Printing Press: Key in disseminating Luther's ideas.
  • Pamphlets and vernacular Bible in German spread his message.
• Significance of vernacular language in making doctrines accessible.

John Calvin and Calvinism

• Leader in Switzerland, diverged from Luther on salvation.
• Predestination: Belief that God chose who would be saved.
• Doctrine of the Elect: Assurance of salvation based on good works.
• Established a theocracy in Geneva.
• Calvin's works spread widely through the printing press.

Distinct Protestant Groups

• Anabaptists: Rejected infant baptism and advocated for separation of church and state.

Wars of Religion

• France: Huguenots vs. Catholics.
  • Key events: Massacre of Vassy (1562), St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre (1572).
  • War of the Three Henries: Resulted in Henry IV's rise and Edict of Nantes (1598).
• Holy Roman Empire: 30 Years War (1618-1648).
  • Began with the Defenestration of Prague.
  • Four phases: Bohemian, Danish, Swedish, French.
  • Ended with the Peace of Westphalia (1648).
    • Recognized Calvinism, weakened the HRE, and marked the end of religious wars.

Catholic Reformation (Counter-Reformation)

• Council of Trent (1545-1563): Reformed some corrupt practices but reaffirmed Catholic doctrines.
• Established the Index of Prohibited Books.
• Formation of new religious orders:
  • Jesuits: Focused on education and missionary work.

Social and Gender Hierarchy

• Class status was influenced by wealth and landownership.
• Gender roles: Patriarchy dominated, women often excluded from authority.
• Women's movements: Discussions on education and roles in society.

Witchcraft Craze (16th-17th Century)

• Fear of witches linked to the upheaval caused by the Reformation.
• Many executed, primarily women, as scapegoats.

Art During the Reformation

• Mannerism: Emotion and drama in art (ex: Michelangelo's "The Last Judgment").
• Baroque: Ornate and dramatic style, associated with Catholic renewal (ex: Peter Paul Rubens).

Conclusion

• Unit 2 covers significant historical, social, and cultural changes during the Reformation and Wars of Religion in Europe.