Religious, Political, and Cultural Changes in Europe During the 16th and 17th Centuries

John Calvin and Henry VIII of England

John Calvin and Henry VIII of England both were leaders of Protestant faiths.  Pick one and discuss where they were, what changes they wanted in religion, and what was controversial about their beliefs?

Ch. 13: Martin Luther 

Lutheran Reformation

What kinds of reforms to the Roman Catholic Church was Martin Luther proposing?  Why were they controversial?

Ch. 13: Humanists 

Christian Humanism

What did the Christian Humanists find, and how did it affect popular religion?

Ch. 13: Print Revolution 

Look at the Print Revolution started by Gutenberg’s printing company.  While it took his shop 3 years to print about 180 bibles, it was a revolutionary for something so huge to be printed clearly, quickly, and identically.  How would the Printing Press affect the average person of the next 100 years?  Why did Printing scare Kings and national governments?

Ch. 14: King Philip II of Spain 

King Philip II of Spain claimed dominion over a large part of the world.  What parts of Europe and elsewhere did he claim, and how did he enforce those claims?

Ch. 14: Cardinal Richeleau 

Discuss the curious power relationship between Cardinal Richelieu & King Louis XIII?  What were the cardinal’s goals for France?

Ch. 14: Mysterious Russia 

Ivan the Great traveled to Europe while young and attempted to drag and pull Russia out of it’s Medieval customs enough to bring it into the Industrial Revolution.  What customs and Government traditions in Russia were preventing political and economic improvement?

Ch. 14: Gustav II Adoph 

Ch. 14:  Tell me about Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus, also known as Gustav II Adolph.  Why was he called the “Golden King” and the “Lion of the North”? Discuss.

Ch. 14: 30 Years War 

The Thirty Years War pitted allied Nations against each other, caused civil war within Germany, led to creation of Colonies, overthrows of governments, and repeated wars based on Religion.  Pick one single participant in the War and tell me who led them and what their goal might have been?  Choose between France, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, Italy, the Swiss, or the Holy roman Emperor.

Ch. 14: Peace of Westphalia 

Ch. 14:  Explain the peace of Westphalia.  What was resolved?  Did anyone “Win”?   What nations suffered losses?

Ch. 15: Life for Farmers 

What was Rural Life like for small town Farmers?  Did they own land?  How did they pay taxes and bills?  What was their life expectancy?

Ch. 15: Agriculture 

What improved methods and crops were used in the 16th century to produce enough food to feed the population?

Ch. 15: Social Classes in the 16th Century 

Explain the Social Hierarchy and how Nobles, Gentry and townspeople, and Farmers fit into it.  What role in daily life did each social group have?

Ch. 15: Family Life 16th Century 

How were 16th Century families similar to and different from families today?   Discuss!

Ch. 15: What was the role of the Church? 

Role of the Church.  How did the Church fill its role as the center of daily life for most people?  What did the Church do, and why did it have so much worldly power?

Ch. 15: Witchcraft 

Witchcraft.  What were the Political and cultural reasons some religious orders looking for Witches in Europe?  Who was affected by accusations of Witchcraft?