In the 16th century, discontent with many aspects of the Catholic Church led to a revolt against accepted dogma and the development of alternative theological and political doctrines that formed the backbone of the Protestant faith. This movement was called the Reformation, and it marked the transition between the medieval and the modern worlds. While unrest was commonplace, a universal solution was not. Instead, several disparate reforming movements appeared, and inevitably this led to division between Protestant reformers, as well as with the Catholic Church.
The Catholic reaction led to military conflict and the theological backlash known as the Counter-Reformation. By examining this key period in European history we gain a better understanding of religious factors that still shape today’s world, including Christian fundamentalism and the establishment of modern philosophy. Above all, it was during this time that the foundations of the modern age were laid, and a social and political chain of events took place that had a profound impact on the history of the world.
Angus Konstam offers a fresh view of this vital but confusing period in a highly readable and lucid style as he traces the emergence of a continent. Specially commissioned maps help understanding locations and the spread of theological movements, while contemporary illustrations bring the main characters to life.
About the author
A widely recognised historian, Angus Konstam has written many titles for Osprey and a range of books for Thalamus Publishing covering European history, including the Historical Atlases of the Celtic World, Viking World, Medieval Europe, and the Crusades. His wide experience of the subject matter enables him to provide a valuable insight into this crucial phase of European historical development. A former curator of the Arms and Armour at the Tower of London and Chief Curator of the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West, Florida, Konstam now lives in Edinburgh.
Table of Contents
(Contents and order of items may be subject to change)
- Introduction — The Importance of the Reformation
- 1 Pre-Reformation Europe
The Political Landscape of Europe / The Renaissance / The Papacy / The Holy Roman Empire / Habsburg-Valois Rivalry / Economic and Social Change - 2 The Seeds of Discontent
The Western Schism / The Edifice of the Church / The Growth of Heresy / The Notion of Salvation / The Importance of Scripture / Popular Piety / Discord over the Sacraments / A Divided Church / The Sale of Indulgences - 3 Martin Luther
Luther’s Early Life / The Ninety-Five Theses / The Priesthood of All Believers / Justification by Faith Alone / Heresy or Debate? / Sola Scriptura / The Propaganda of Print - 4 The Urban Reformers
The Influence of Erasmus / Zwingli of Zurich / Oecolampadius of Basel / Martin Bucer of Strasbourg / The Urban Reform Movement / Toward a New Salvation - 5 The Peasants’ Revolt
Social Discontent and Revolt / The Role of German Princes / Imperial Diet and Princely Reform / The Peasant’s War / Karlstadt and Populist Theology / Towards Religious Equilibrium in Germany - 6 The Anabaptists
The Radical Reformers / Thomas Muntzer / Anabaptist Extremes / Anti-Radical Backlash / The Siege of Münster - 7 The Reformation in England and Scotland
The Church in England / Henry VIII and the Church / Bloody Mary and the Virgin Queen / John Knox / The Scottish Refomation / Mary, Queen of Scots and the Catholic Threat - 8 The French Wars of Religion
Religious Tolerance in France / The Rise of the Huguenots / Revolt against the Crown / The Early Wars of Religion / A Contest of Faith / Henry IV and the Settlement of Paris - 9 The Calvinists
The Legacy of the Urban Reformers / John Calvin and Geneva / The Second Wave of Reformation / Predestination / The Church Visible / Calvinist Salvation and Sacrament / The Impact of Calvinism - 10 The Counter-Reformation
- Pre-Lutheran Reform / Reform of the Papacy / The Council of Trent / The Index / The Jesuit Order / The Inquisition / Art and the Catholic Reformation / Church, State and the Lay Fraternity
- 11 The Thirty Years War
Overview / The Religious Divide / The Dutch Revolt / The Power of Spain / A Continent at War / The Bohemian Powderkeg / The Struggle for Germany / The Swedish Intervention / The Four Horsemen / French Involvement / The Peace of Münster - 12 The Legacy of the Reformation
The Legacy of the Reformation / Protestantism and Catholicism - Genealogy / Index