Question

europe in crisis: the wars of religion
directions: answer the following questions as you read section 1.

1. name the chief cause of religious wars that plagued europe in the sixteenth century.
2. who were the huguenots?
3. what issues besides the religious played a role in the french civil wars?
4. what event brought the french wars of religion to an end?
5. how did philip ii strengthen his control over spain?
6. how did spain see itself, based on its catholic heritage?
7. what happened when philip tried to crush calvinism in the netherlands?
8. why has the seventeenth century been called the golden age of the dutch republic?
9. what two notable things happened during the reign of elizabeth tudor?
10. what did philip ii believe would happen if spanish forces invaded england?

Explanation:

1. The chief cause was the religious - sectarian divide between Catholics and Protestants.
2. The Huguenots were French Protestants, mainly Calvinists.
3. Political power struggles, noble rivalries, and economic interests also played roles.
4. The Edict of Nantes in 1598 brought an end to the French Wars of Religion.
5. Philip II strengthened his control through centralizing government, using the Inquisition, and amassing wealth from colonies.
6. Spain saw itself as a defender of the Catholic faith, a 'bulwark' of Catholicism.
7. When Philip tried to crush Calvinism in the Netherlands, it led to the Dutch Revolt.
8. The seventeenth - century was called the golden age of the Dutch Republic due to its economic prosperity (especially in trade and finance), cultural achievements (like art), and political stability.
9. During Elizabeth Tudor's reign, England defeated the Spanish Armada and there was a flourishing of English literature (the Elizabethan era of theater, etc.).
10. Philip II believed that if Spanish forces invaded England, he could restore Catholicism there and end English support for Dutch rebels.

Answer:

1. Religious - sectarian divide between Catholics and Protestants.
2. French Protestants, mainly Calvinists.
3. Political power struggles, noble rivalries, economic interests.
4. The Edict of Nantes in 1598.
5. Centralizing government, using the Inquisition, amassing colonial wealth.
6. As a defender of the Catholic faith.
7. It led to the Dutch Revolt.
8. Economic prosperity, cultural achievements, political stability.
9. Defeat of the Spanish Armada, flourishing of English literature.
10. He could restore Catholicism and end English support for Dutch rebels.