Transformation of the West

1450-1750

Summary of 3 Major Internal Changes

• Breakdown of Religious Unity

• Centralization of Power

• Intellectual Movements

Renaissance and Reformation

Age of Absolutism

Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment

What does it mean?• Ushers Europe into the modern age• Europe catches up and passes

Asia/Islamic World• Increase commercialization create a

new social organization in Europe A distinct and growing Middle Class

Reformation Period1400-1500s

Reformation-Direct Challenges to the authority and doctrines of the

Catholic Church

Why it happened when it did?

1. Great Schism

• Competition for converts and monies

•Adopt a more world view

• Split into Eastern and Western Churches

2. Corrupt Church PracticesWhy it happened when it did?

Indulgences

Simony

Selling Holy Relics

3. Flowering of Renaissance Thought

Why it happened when it did?

•Focus on Humanism

•Call for Religious Tolerance

•Demand for Religious Choice

4. Printing Press

Why it happened when it did?

Why it happened when it did? • Early Reformers challenge the Church

John Wycliffe John Hus

•Challenged Pope’s authority•Bible was the word of God•Hus was executed•Wycliffe’s body burned

Martyrs

6. Luther’s posting of 95 theses

Why it happened when it did?

•Arguments against Catholic church ideas ofauthority and salvation

•German states containeda sympathetic audience

Immediate Effects1. Political and social challenges to the

ChurchGerman Princes Peasants

Merchants

Resented the political power of the church

Protested the tithe

Wanted the ban on usury lifted

2. Inspired creation of other Groups (Protestant Churches)

Immediate Effects

Challenged Catholic Church:

•Authority

•Doctrine

•Style of Worship

Highlight “direct differences between churches

•Christian

•Jesus is Son of God

•Bible is word of God

•God’s law is supreme

1. End of religious unity in Europe

Long Term Effects

PolandHoly Roman Empire )

FRANCE

Spain

England

Byzantine Empire

Russia

Europe in 1400

Religious Map of Europe, 1560

2. Movements toward Democracy

Long Term Effects

-Inspired belief that individuals control their destiny

-Protestant nations were less likely to rule with an absolute monarch

3. Religious Wars

Long Term Effects

Religious Wars: 1500s-1600s

•Protestant v. Catholic Interest

•Resulted in more religious tolerance

•Underlying Political issue