Religious Changes in Europe, 1500-1700

1. Religious Changes in Europe, 1500-1700 “Why can’t we all just get along”

2. Disclaimer • Religion is an important part of history and culture. • To understand the reasons why many people left their homes and settled in America, we must understand the changes in religion in Europe. • This is not an endorsement of any particular religion.

3. In the beginning... • For centuries, there was only one type of Christianity—Roman Catholic • If you were Christian, you were Catholic

4. And then... • In 1517, a priest named Martin Lutherbegan to criticize some of the practices of the Catholic Church. • He felt that the Church had become too wealthy, and that the Pope, the leader of the Church, had become too powerful.

5. And so... • Many people agreed with Luther, and began protesting the Catholic practices. • These people became known as Protestants • Protestants wanted to reform the Catholic Church. • This is why this time period is known as the Protestant Reformation.

6. Technology • The invention of the printing press helped the Protestants spread their ideas through essays. • What do you think was printed more as a result of the invention of the printing press? • Allowed people to read and interpret the Bible on their own.

7. So what? • Protestant groups and Catholics began fighting wars all over Europe. • In France, for example, the Huguenots, a Protestant group, fought constantly with the Catholics. • Regular people were caught up in these wars, and their farmlands were often turned into battlefields.

8. Henry VIII • In England, Henry VIII had a problem. He wanted to have a son to inherit his throne, but his wife kept having girls. • We now know that this was probably his fault, not his wife’s....

9. Henry VIII • Henry asked Pope Clement VII to grant him a divorce, so he could marry someone who might give him a son. • Divorce VERY uncommon and frowned upon...his request was denied.

10. Henry VIII • Henry starts his own church called the Church of England. • He made himself the head of the church. • Required everyone in England to become a part of his church • Anglicans: members of the Church of England

11. Henry VIII • Married 6 women! He really wanted a son! • Executed 2! • Anne Boleyn • Catherine Howard • Jane Seymour gives him a son...Edward VI, but he dies at a young age • Elizabeth I, his daughter, became one of England’s most influential rulers.

12. Meanwhile in Spain... • In Spain, the Catholic Church was still the official religion. • People who disagreed with the Church, including Jewish people or Muslims, were put on trial and tortured. • Spanish Inquisition

13. So what does this have to do with America? • Many people decided to leave the European countries that persecuted them for their beliefs. They started new colonies in America. • Persecute: to be harassed or punished based on beliefs or religion • Later, the Constitution would protect people in the United States from persecution based on religion. • What is the official religion in the U.S.?

14. Quiz Yourself! • Chapter two is about the English colonization of America. Why is it necessary for us to learn about the religious changes in Europe from 1500-1700? • How did the Protestants get their name? Who was their leader in the Protestant Reformation? • The printing press was a form of media in the time period we are studying. How does the media help to spread ideas today? • In your opinion, what was Henry the VIII like? • Why did Henry the VIII start the Church of England? • What were followers of the Church of England called? • What impact do you think the Spanish Inquisition had on colonization? • Does persecution occur today? Brainstorm (make a list) examples.