The Wars of Religion
Background
After the Reformation, Protestantism spread all over Europe
Between 1555 and 1648 is called “The Age of the Religious Wars” because they
was almost constant warfare between Catholics and Protestants
Leaders from both Religions struggled for Political power
French Civil War
War broke out in France between Catholics and Huguenots (Protestants)
War ended when a Huguenot King took the throne, converted to Catholicism and
declared the Edict of Nantes (The first time any state allowed religious freedom
and toleration)
England
England became protestant during the rule of Henry 8th. HE converted because he
wanted to divorce his wife. When the church would not grant the divorce, he
created a new religion with himself as the leader
England was religiously unified by Elizabeth 1st. But she did have problems with
Catholics and Puritans (many left to practice their religion elsewhere)
Catholic Spain tried to conquer England and sent a huge fleet of ships (The
Spanish Armada). The Armada was destroyed by a combination of Bad Weather
and superior British tactics
Thirty-Years war
Fought over Germany which was divided into over 300 small states
Spain and Austria tried to unify Germany under Catholicism
France, afraid of being caught between Spain and a strong Germany supported the
Protestant princes of Germany (even though France was Catholic)
Protestants won (Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden joined in near the end)
The war ended with the Treaty of Westphalia
This treaty stated that each country or state should operate without interference
from other countries or the pope. Destroyed the Pope’s power in Europe
Witchcraft
During this time, for unknown reasons, European became obsessed with
witchcraft
Both Proestants and Catholics believed in Witches
In England alone, over 1000 women were burned as Witches
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