Reformation Spreads

France

John Calvin's influence continues to spread

Protestants in Northern France are inspired by Calvin; start the Reformed Church of France (Huguenots)

Protestants are suppressed in France; 20,000 are killed in St. Bartholomew's day Massacre in 1572

Eventually, Protestant Huguenots are granted freedom of worship by the Edict of Nantes in 1598 (later revoked).

Holy Roman Empire

Holy Roman Empire: a feudal monarchy developed in the middle ages

Untitled Slide

The Hapsburg family and the Holy Roman Empire continued to support the Roman Catholic Church.

Ferdinand II is elected Holy Roman Emperor, and attempts religious (Catholic) dominance.

The growing number of Protestants (Calvinists and Lutherans) in the HRE are not supportive of this decision

This conflict is going to spark the 30 Years War starting in 1618

30 Years War

• Originally a war between Catholics and Protestants in the HRE
• One of the Deadliest in European History (over 8 million casualties)

30 years war is fought for religious reasons until Cardinal Richelieu changes that focus to a political war

Cardinal Richelieu

• Loyal ally to (French) King Louis XIII
• Realizes France will win the war if they are able to Ally with (protestant) Sweden
• This changes the war to a political war, instead of religious