The Wars of Religion 1530s-1648

“These are days of shaking and this shaking is universal.”

Three Key Issues

1. After the challenges of the Reformation, there are great questions about personal spirituality.

2. Rulers who had been getting stronger since the end of the Medieval try and control the religion of those inside their country.

3. Countries go to war- civil and foreign- to force others to conform to THEIR version of faith.

Germany Peasants War 1524 1540s- civil war between Catholic and

Protestant princes Resolved by Peace of Augsburg 1555

Cuius regio, cuius religio A temporary solution

Switzerland Fighting between cantons in 1529 and 1531. Peace allows each canton to select own religion,

but Protestantism becomes the dominant religion of Switzerland.

England Edward VI Mary (of Bloody fame)

Elizabeth is a politique Toleration; “I have no desire to make windows

into men’s souls.” Protestant theology with Catholic ritual.

But Spain plans to invade England and reclaim it for the true Church.

So she leads England to a defeat of Spain after the destruction of the Armada and saves Protestantism in England.

The Spanish Empire in Europe

Philip II Gets the Spanish and Dutch parts Has all that New World $ And a VERY strong faith Builds Escorial

He Uses Inquisition in Spain Tries to deal with revolt in Netherlands, but Spain

will lose it and it will become an independent PROTESTANT country.

Marries Mary Tudor Tries to marry Elizabeth Tudor Eventually goes to war with England But overextends, and Spain’s power begins ro fade

France’s Wars of Religion 1562-1593 Huguenots (calvinists) One roi, foi and loi Religious issues Political issues Family Issues

An effort at reconciliation in 1572. Arranged marriage between Henry Navarre and

Margaret of Valois. But……St Bartholomew's Day Massacre

August 24, 1572

Henry Navarre Wins He is a Bourbon, so a

new ruling family He is a Huguenot But converts to become

king “Paris is worth a mass!” Henry IV is a politique Edict of Nantes 1598

Everyone together now 30 Years War 1618-1648

Starts in Germany as Protestant vs. Catholic

Eventually…..Involves all of Europe including Denmark and Sweden

Becomes Catholic vs. Catholic. It is no longer religious but political

Treaty of Westphalia

Bottom Line Role of religion changes

In 1558, Protestantism was illegal in all of Western EuropeIn 1558, Protestantism was illegal in all of Western Europe In 1648, Protestantism is the state religion of Scotland, England In 1648, Protestantism is the state religion of Scotland, England

and the Dutch Republic, and only forbidden in Italy and Spainand the Dutch Republic, and only forbidden in Italy and Spain It is a personal choice not the center of life

Spain loses power but remains a strong Catholic state. Netherlands is separate Germany is divided France and England are very powerful Politiques are successful!