The Wars of Religion

1. The Wars of Religion France, England and the 30 Years War

2. The Age of the Religious Wars • After the Reformation, Protestantism spread all over Europe • Between 1555 and 1648 is called “The Age of the Religious Wars” because they was almost constant warfare between Catholics and Protestants • Leaders from both Religions struggled for Political power

3. French Civil War • War broke out in France between Catholics and Huguenots (Protestants) • War ended when a Huguenot King took the throne, converted to Catholicism and declared the Edict of Nantes(The first time any European state allowed religious freedom and toleration)

4. England • England became protestant during the rule of Henry 8th. He converted because he wanted to divorce his wife. When the church would not grant the divorce, he created a new religion with himself as the leader (The Anglican Church) • England was religiously unified by Elizabeth 1st. But she did have problems with Catholics and Puritans (many left to practice their religion elsewhere) • Catholic Spain tried to conquer England and sent a huge fleet of ships (The Spanish Armada). The Armada was destroyed by a combination of Bad Weather and superior British tactics

5. The Wives of Henry the 8th • Queen Catherine of Aragon (married 24 years).  DivorcedThey had one child, Mary, who was Queen of England for 5 years • Queen Anne Boleyn (married 3 years).  ExecutedThey had one child, Elizabeth. Elizabeth went on to be Queen for 44 years.Anne was very passionate and outspoken at times, traits not expected of a QueenBy the time Anne was accused of incest and adultery, the King already had his eyes on his next wife. • Queen Jane Seymour (married less than 2 years).  Died after childbirthQueen Jane finally bore King Henry his much desired son and heir.She died 2 weeks after the birth from infection.It has been said that King Henry had a special affection for Jane and felt she was his "true wife."She is the only wife to be buried next to King Henry • Queen Anne of Cleves (married 6 months).  Divorced.No childrenKing Henry mourned over the loss of Jane for three years before his advisors suggested a marriage for foreign alliance.  The King did not love her and didn't find her attractive.  The political reasons for the union were becoming less necessary, so they divorced. • Queen Kathryn Howard (married 2 years).  Executed.No children.The Queen was accused of adultery and promiscuity before marriage.  After investigation, the rumors proved to be true and Queen Kathryn was executed • Queen Katherine Parr (married 4 years).  WidowedNo children.Queen Katherine was his 6th and final wife before his death in 1547

6. 30 Years War • Fought over Germany which was divided into over 300 small states • Spain and Austria tried to unify Germany under Catholicism • France, afraid of being caught between Spain and a strong Germany supported the Protestant princes of Germany (even though France was Catholic) • Protestants won (GustavusAdolphus, King of Sweden joined in near the end) • The war ended with the Treaty of Westphalia • This treaty stated that each country or state should operate without interference from other countries or the pope. Destroyed the Pope’s power in Europe

7. Witchcraft • During this time, for unknown reasons, European became obsessed with witchcraft • Both Protestants and Catholics believed in Witches • In England alone, over 1000 women were burned as Witches

8. Summary • The Reformation was followed by 100 years of turmoil as Catholics and Protestants struggled for power • The Protestants won and the paved the way for the separation of Church and state • Major conflicts in France, England and especially Germany