Chapter 14 Section 1

1. Chapter 14Section 1 Europe in Crisis: The Wars of Religion

2. Objectives:

3. The French Wars of Religion • Calvinism and Catholicism had become militant (combative) religions by 1560. • Their struggles for converts was the main cause of Europe’s 16th century wars. • The most shattering war was the French civil wars known as the Wars of Religion (1562-1598) • Huguenots- French protestants influenced by Calvin. • Only 7% of the population, the Huguenots made up about 50% of the nobility.

4. Included in the nobility was the house of Bourbon, which ruled Navarre and was next in line for the Valois dynasty. • The Valois was strongly Catholic. A group in France called the ultra-Catholics strongly opposed the Huguenots. • Townspeople were willing to help nobles weaken the monarchy, and were the base of opposition against the Catholic king. • Civil war lasted about 30 years until Henry of Navarre (Henry IV), leader of the Huguenots, became king in 1598.

5. Converted to Catholicism and issued the Edict of Nantes in 1598. • Sometimes referred to as the Edict of Tolerance • It recognized Catholicism as France’s official religion, but gave the Huguenots the right to worship and have all political privileges, such as holding office. • French Kings did little to stop the spread of Protestantism in the 16th century.

6. Philip II and Militant Catholicism • King Philip II of Spain (1556-1598) was a great supporter of militant Catholicism. • Wanted to consolidate control of his lands, and established controlled religions. • Formed the Holy League against the Turks, defeating them in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. • Spanish Netherlands- very wealthy. Nobles resented Philip who tried to crush Calvinism.

7. Dutch Prince William the Silent offered growing resistance to Philip, and in 1609 and 12 year truce stopped the wars. • Philip bankrupted Spain, and power shifted to England. • During the Late Middle Ages Spain reconquered Muslim Areas, expected the Jews, and protected Catholicism.

8. The England of Elizabeth • Elizabeth Tudor ascended the throne of England in 1558, and during her reign England became the leader of the Protestant nations. • Tried to resolve the religious conflict created by her half-sister, Mary by repealing laws favoring the Catholics. • A new act of Supremacy named her as the “only supreme governor” of the church and state. • The Church of England practiced moderate Protestantism

9. Elizabeth was moderate in foreign affairs as well. • Tried to keep France and Spain from becoming powerful by supporting first one, and then another, trying to avoid war with either. • Came into conflict with Spain because Philip II wanted to convert it back to Catholicism.

10. In 1588 Spain sent an armada- a fleet of warships- to invade England. • The fleet that sailed had neither the manpower nor the ships to be victorious. • The Spanish fleet was battered in numerous encounters and finally sailed home by a northward route around Scotland and Ireland, where many ships were lost. • Page 433- Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Speech.