Riforma e controriforma

Summary

In the early 16th century, the Catholic Church faced criticism for its spiritual decline, leading to Martin Luther's 95 Theses in 1517, which protested against the Church's sale of indulgences. This act sparked the Protestant Reformation, with figures like Luther and John Calvin advocating for religious reform. Meanwhile, King Henry VIII established the Anglican Church in England to counteract the Church's influence. The Catholic Church responded with the Counter-Reformation, including the Council of Trent and the founding of the Jesuit Order. The religious conflicts culminated in the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre in 1572, and the violence across Europe only subsided with the Edict of Nantes in 1598, reflecting a divided Europe between Protestantism and Catholicism.

Takeaways

• 📜 The early 16th century saw a push for a more spiritual form of Christianity within the Catholic Church.
• 🚨 Martin Luther's 95 Theses in 1517 marked a pivotal moment against the Catholic Church, particularly criticizing the sale of indulgences.
• 📜 The spread of Luther's ideas was facilitated by pamphlets and illustrations, reaching less educated classes.
• 👑 At the Diet of Worms in 1521, Emperor Charles V declared Martin Luther an outlaw, yet he continued his work under protection from Protestant princes.
• 🌐 Luther's translation of the Bible into German and clarification of his reformation's content in 1524 were significant steps.
• 🔪 In 1555, Protestant princes in Germany defeated Charles V, establishing the principle 'cuius regio, eius religio'.
• 🇨🇭 In Switzerland, Calvinism emerged as a strict form of Protestantism, while in England, King Henry VIII founded the Anglican Church in 1534 in response to the Pope's excommunication.
• 🛡 The Catholic Church initiated the Counter-Reformation, including the Council of Trent, and was invigorated by figures like Teresa of Avila and the Jesuit Order founded by Ignatius of Loyola.
• 🗡 The St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre in 1572 in Paris marked a peak of religious violence, which spread to other French cities and only ended with the Edict of Nantes in 1598.
• ⚔️ Europe was deeply divided between Protestantism and Catholicism, with fanaticism leading to heresy executions and witch hunts.

Q & A

What was the initial motivation for the return to a more spiritual form of Christianity in the early 16th century?

The initial motivation was the accusations against the Catholic Church, which encouraged a return to a more spiritual form of Christianity.

When did Martin Luther post his 95 theses against the Catholic Church?

Martin Luther posted his 95 theses in 1517.

What did Martin Luther's 95 theses primarily address?

The theses primarily addressed the sale of indulgences authorized by Pope Leo X.

How did the 95 theses spread among the less educated classes?

The 95 theses spread through pamphlets and illustrations, making them accessible to the less educated classes.

What event in 1521 made Martin Luther an outlaw according to Emperor Charles V?

During the Diet of Worms in 1521, Martin Luther was declared an outlaw by Emperor Charles V.

How did Martin Luther's translation of the Bible into German impact the Reformation?

Luther's translation of the Bible into German made the contents of his reform more accessible to the general population and helped to solidify his ideas.

What was the principle established by the Protestant princes after defeating Charles V in 1555?

The principle established was 'cuius regio, eius religio', meaning the ruler of a region could determine the religion of that region.

Who founded Calvinism, a form of Protestantism with very strict rules of life?

Calvinism was founded by John Calvin.

How did King Henry VIII of England respond to the Catholic Church's excommunication?

King Henry VIII responded by issuing an Act of Supremacy, founding the Church of England, and declaring himself its supreme head.

What was the Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation?

The Catholic Church responded with the Counter-Reformation, a series of measures that were developed during the Council of Trent.

What significant event took place in Paris in 1572 involving Protestants known as Huguenots?

The St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre took place in Paris in 1572, where many Huguenot Protestants were killed.

What was the final resolution to the religious conflicts in France that allowed for a degree of religious freedom?

The final resolution was the Edict of Nantes, promulgated by Henry of Bourbon in 1598, which allowed for religious freedom for the Huguenots.