The Renaissance The Reformation

What caused people to turn away from the Catholic Church? Better educated, urban populace was more critical of the Church than rural peasantry Renaissance monarchs were growing impatient with the power of the Church Society was more humanistic and secular (non-religious) Growing individualism

What caused people to turn away from the Catholic Church? Catholic Church was the dominant power in Europe for over one thousand years Centered in Rome The Pope was leader of all Christendom

What caused people to turn away from the Catholic Church? Pope Leo X needed money to build new church in Rome St. Peter’s Basilica Sold indulgences to Catholic followers Indulgence: payment or service in exchange for freedom of punishments after death for sins committed during life

Who was Martin Luther? Born in Eisleben, Germany, 1483 Caught in a thunderstorm on the way home from university Prayed to God for help Promised to become a monk if he survived

Who was Martin Luther? Became a monk and theology professor 1510, went on pilgrimage to Rome Troubled by corruption and greed of the Church Church charged money to view relics Sold indulgences

Who was Martin Luther? Oct. 31, 1517 Nailed 95 Theses to the door of church in Wittenberg, Germany Challenged the Pope’s and the Church’s authority Marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation

Who was Martin Luther? Used new printing press to spread ideas throughout Germany Applications of the printing press fully utilized to spread ideas Luther’s views gained popularity Became excommunicated from the Church Many Catholics supported Luther and turned away from the Church

Who was Henry VIII? Recent War of the Roses created a sense of political instability for the reigning Tudor dynasty Henry VIII The significance of a male heir to the Tudors

Who was Henry VIII? Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon Henry wanted a divorce because Catherine did not give birth to a son Henry created the Church of England and established his own control over it A “political reformation” only at first Henry VIII had 6 wives Many of whom were executed or imprisoned

What were the consequences of the Reformation? The Christian Church was further divided in the West Hundreds of years of religious warfare People began to think they had a right to rebellion Growing doubt and religious skepticism Political stability valued over religious doctrine