The Protestant Reformation Plays Out in America Unit 2: Part 1.

The Protestant Reformation Plays Out in America

Unit 2: Part 1

Background Information

• In 1520 C.E., the pope excommunicated a German monk named Martin Luther.

• Why? – In 1517 C.E., Luther mailed a list of 95 theses to the church door in Wittenberg challenging the pope’s authority.

• Didn’t like pardons for money, lavish spending, refusal to translate Bible from Latin.


• Luther triggered a division in western Christianity and he and his fellow insurgents became known as protestants.

• Their movement became known as the Reformation.

• This was the first time a controversy in Europe made its way onto American shores.


• For the remainder of the 16th century (1500s), European conflicts would be played out partially overseas – a continuous pattern later on.

• France v. Spain for Florida

• England v. Ireland (Protestant v. Catholic)

Reformation and Counter Reformation

• 1517 C.E., Luther’s reforms spread throughout Europe – sparked armed conflict.

• Switzerland: Abolished Catholic practices; led by John Calvin from 1541 to 1560s C.E.

• Calvinism: Strict, simple, faith alone leads to salvation.


• Calvinists soon shaped Protestant doctrine in North America

• Huguenots in France• Puritans in England• Presbyterians in

Scotland• Dutch Reformed in the

Netherlands


• Church reformation coincided with the emergence of modern nation-states.

• Kings and Queens in Europe– Expanded control– Strengthened armies– Controlled printing– Why is the control of

print important?


• England emerged as a nation-state under Henry VII in 1485 C.E.

• 1533 C.E., pope refused King Henry VIII an annulment

• So, Henry VIII created the Church of England to take religious authority from the pope (Anglican Church)


• Anglican Church followed much of Catholic doctrine.

• Elizabeth I steered the Anglican Church somewhere between Catholicism and Protestantism.

• Why is that so significant for England?

The Reformation and Counter Reformation

• Attempts to heal religious divisions gave way to fierce confrontation.

• Kings, queens, parishes, all challenged the pope.

• Catholic supporters mobilized to protect themselves– Known as the Counter

Reformation


• Catholic militants called the Sons of Jesus, or Jesuits, gave their lives to defend Catholicism and spread it.

• Led by Ignatius Loyola.• This gave way to the

Inquisition– Strict courts to give harsh

punishment to heretics.– Created an index of

prohibited books


• King Philip II of Spain; 1556-1598 C.E.

• Led an Inquisition against Protestants; almost overpowered Protestant England.

• 1588 C.E., Spain sends the Spanish Armada to conquer England but failed.– Shift of power to

England

The Protestant Reformation Plays Out in America Unit 2: Part 1.

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Transcript of The Protestant Reformation Plays Out in America Unit 2: Part 1.