The Wars of Religion (1560s-1648) Mrs. Ash AP EURO

Politics, Religion, War Habsburg-Valois Wars Charles V (HRE and Spain) vs. France Took place in Italy (mainly) HRE/Spain won Ended by the Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis After the Hapsburg-Valois Wars – religion became the motivation for war

Bigger armies – higher taxes Gunpowder No longer 1 emperor and 1 church

Civil War In France (1562-1598)

Problems in France Depopulation – 100 Years War and plague Inflation Francis I – centralized power System of courts, French is language, Catholic is official religion Financial problems Nobles exempt from taxes Taille tax – not enough to support arts and ambitious foreign policy Concordat of Bologna – allegiance to the Pope in exchange for being able to appoint own bishops and abbots Francis could then sell these offices to pay for wars Church officials – not very spiritual

France remains Catholic, Protestantism is spreading (despite public burnings) Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion– written in French

The Valois Family: The Beginning of the End Henry II (son of Francis I) was the last powerful Valois – similar policies to dad Three weak sons followed: Francis II Charles IX Henry III ½ of nobility were Huguenots (French Calvinists) Catherine de Medici controlled the sons: Was mother to the boys Developed a reputation for cruelty

Catherine de Medici

Late 16th century – almost 50% of nobility was Calvinist – didn’t convert for religion, but for political reasons Calvinists and Catholics HATE each other and the killing begins…..

St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre Marriage – Margaret Valois (King Henry III’s sister) and Henry Bourbon of Navarre (Huguenot – French Calvinist) Intended to reconcile religions Leader of Catholic aristocracy, Henry of Guise, had a Huguenot leader (Admiral Gaspard de Coligny) attacked the night before the wedding After Huguenot riots, Catherine order the massacre

St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre August 24, 1572 20,000 Huguenots were killed Marriage still on!

St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre

The French Civil War War of 3 Henrys (lasted 15 years) Henry of Guise – Catholic aristocrat Followers called “Holy League” Henry of Navarre – Huguenot aristocrat King Henry III - Catholic Politiques – small group of moderates of both faiths Need a strong monarch to restore peace – religion not that important

The French Civil War Henry of Guise and Henry III assassinated Henry of Navarre became Henry IV of France Effects of Civil War: France was left divided by religion Royal power had weakened Valois family now replaced by Bourbons

Henry IV of France Converted to Catholicism : Did this to compromise and make peace Paris is worth a mass. This was an example of politique [the interest of the state comes first before any religious considerations] Passed Edict of Nantes in 1598: Granted religious rights to Huguenots – can publicly worship in 150 towns Did not grant religious freedom for all

The Netherlands (the Low Countries)

The Revolt Controlled by Spain Center of commercial activity Charles V gave them several liberties 17 provinces – each was self-governing Center of commercial activity Corruption in Catholic Church led to calls for reform Calvinism spreading – appealed to the middle class due to emphasis on hard work Charles V left HRE and Austria to brother Ferdinand and Philip II (son) got Spain, the Netherlands, colonies Phillip II of Spain (strict Catholic) set up Inquisition to crush Calvinism and raised taxes

The Revolt 1566 – Calvinists revolted, destroyed churches and libraries 20,000 troops sent and Council of Blood set up Phillip sent troops to crush rebellion (led by Alexander Farnese) and civil war raged for 10 years Prince William of Orange (“the Silent”) led the 17 provinces of the Netherlands Spain held the 10 southern provinces, the 7 northern provinces formed the Union of Utrecht/United Provinces North = Protestant; South = Catholic 1581 – Spain invaded again, England helped the Protestant Netherlands Why? Losing money from wool trade, commercial cities falling, William the Silent killed, possible Spanish threat of England

The Spanish Armada 1587 – with urging of Pope, Phillip prepared a fleet to attack England 2 choices: attack English navy in Channel and then invade or assemble in low countries and stage a cross-channel assault

163 armed merchant vessels Results: Spain 22 galleons England 34 warships 163 armed merchant vessels Results: Won 50-100 dead 400 wounded Spain 22 galleons 108 armed merchant vessels Results: Lost 1000s dead 800 wounded, 397 captured

The Spanish Armada Plan – Spanish to sail into English Channel, pick up soldiers at Dunkirk, head to London Tight crescent formation Stopped at Calais for the night, stuck by winds from the NE

Elizabeth’s Tilbury Speech My loving people, We have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit our selves to armed multitudes, for fear of treachery; but I assure you I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving people. Let tyrants fear, I have always so behaved myself that, under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good-will of my subjects; and therefore I am come amongst you, as you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live and die amongst you all; to lay down for my God, and for my kingdom, and my people, my honor and my blood, even in the dust. I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too, and think foul scorn that Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm; to which rather than any dishonor shall grow by me, I myself will take up arms, I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field. I know already, for your forwardness you have deserved rewards and crowns; and We do assure you in the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you. In the mean time, my lieutenant general shall be in my stead, than whom never prince commanded a more noble or worthy subject; not doubting but by your obedience to my general, by your concord in the camp, and your valor in the field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over those enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and of my people.

What Happened? Fireships!!

1588 – Spanish Armada defeated by the English fleet and bad weather

Effects Spain – rebuilt navy, still conflict with England, United Provinces recognized England – Nationalism, Elizabeth gained more respect