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The Wars of Religion in Europe: A Historical Overview

Dive into the tumultuous period of the 16th century in Europe marked by religious conflicts, including the French Wars of Religion and the influence of Calvinism and Catholicism. Discover key events such as the Edict of Nantes and the rise of militant Catholicism under Philip II of Spain.

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The Wars of Religion in Europe: A Historical Overview

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  1. Europe in Crisis: The Wars of Religion

  2. The French Wars of Religion • 1560, Calvinism and Catholicism had become highly militant(combative) religions. • both wanted to win converts and to eliminate the other’s authority. • This was the main cause of the religious wars in Europe in the 16th century

  3. Huguenots • The French kings had been persecuting Protestants • French Protestants who were influenced by John Calvin were called Huguenots. • made up only about 7 percent of the total French population, • but made up 40 to 50 percent of the nobility.

  4. Huguenots • The conversion of so many nobles made the Huguenots a threat to the French monarchy • strongly Catholic.

  5. The French Wars of Religion • For roughly 30 years (1562-1598), there were battles in France between the Catholics and Huguenots

  6. Henry IV • In 1589, Henry of Navarre (Henry IV) became king of France. • He was the political leader of the Huguenots, but converted to Catholicism.

  7. Edict of Nantes http://www.historyguide.org/earlymod/nantes.html • To solve the religious problem, Henry IV issued the Edict of Nantes in 1598. • Recognized Catholicism as the official religion of France, • But gave Huguenots the right to worship • also gave them full political rights.

  8. Philip II and Militant Catholicism • King Philip II of Spain was the greatest supporter of militant Catholicism in the second half of the 16th century

  9. Philip II and Militant Catholicism • To strengthen his control, he insisted on strict conformity to Catholicism and strong monarchical authority

  10. Philip II and Militant Catholicism • Philip II became a champion of Catholic causes. • Led a Holy League against the Turks. Resulted in victory in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.

  11. Philip II and Militant Catholicism • He was not as successful in the Netherlands. • He tried to strengthen his control in this region, but was strongly opposed by the nobles there

  12. Philip II and Militant Catholicism • Philip also tried to crush Calvinism in the region. • He was faced with a strong rebellion of Calvinists. • Unable to shut it down. • In 1609, a 12-year truce ended the war

  13. Philip II and Militant Catholicism • Philip’s reign ended in 1598 • At the time, Spain was the most populous empire in the world • He left the empire bankrupt due to heavy spending on war • The power had shifted to England

  14. During the reign of Elizabeth Tudor, England became the leader of the Protestant nations of Europe. The England of Elizabeth

  15. The England of Elizabeth • To solve the religious problem in England, she repealed certain laws favoring Catholics. • A new Act of Supremacy named Elizabeth as the “only supreme governor” of both church and state http://www.a-london-tourist-guide.com/act-of-supremacy-1559.html

  16. The England of Elizabeth • The Church of England under Elizabeth followed a moderate Protestantism that kept most people satisfied.

  17. The England of Elizabeth • Philip II of Spain wanted to invade England, partly to overthrow Protestantism • In 1588, Philip ordered preparations for an armada(a fleet of warships) to invade England. • The Spanish were no match for the English.

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