English Reformation Dbq

1. What were the sources of religious discontent that preceded the Reformation?

The religious discontent was because of first and foremost, the sale of indulgences. Priests believed that if they sold pieces of paper to the peasants that the peasants would be cleared of their sins and have a step forwards towards an afterlife in heaven, instead of purgatory. With this money, priests lived luxurious lives. Most of the time, they did not even preach. They would hire cheap priests to preach and do their jobs while they would spend their time practicing clerical immortality-neglecting being celibate, gambling, and even making costly prices. They also participated in clerical pluralism, in which they had more land and churches than should be allowed.

Previously, Catholics held all the power but after the Protestant Reformation, their power was greatly limited. Protestants did not want to listen and follow Catholics so instead there was a very week political government. Princes followed either religion and those who disagreed limited the power of those princes. Socially, Europe became a time for questioning religion. Different forms of Protestantism formed, many of which started fights with other groups of Protestants. Everyone was forced to choose a side in the matter.

10. Discuss the causes and effects of the English Reformation. How does Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I contribute to its success or failure?

The English Reformation lead to a drastic change in England based on a single King’s wishes. King Henry VIII desired to begin a new church that would allow him to divorce his wife. He began the Church of England and demanded that his kids follow in his footsteps. Anyone who disagreed with King Henry was executed and the politics of England changed too. Rebellions over this new Church began and many were killed and unhappy. After he died and Edward became the successor, Edward VI lead to a lead in Protestantism, more specifically, Calvinism. Mary’s reign lead to a switch back to Catholicism. She married one of the strongest supporters of Catholicism, Philip II of Spain, and many Protestants left England in search of religious freedom. Lastly, Elizabeth

Edward VI did not do much but he did introduce the choice of following Protestantism or not. This allowed for religious diversity, until Mary brought back the Catholic beliefs. That scared many away from England and left the country in fear. Finally, Elizabeth returned the country to its normal state with sensible religious rules allowing some religious diversity. She is the one who brought the success and without her England likely would not be the country that it is today.

11. Why can the Roman Catholic Church’s Response be called a “Counter Reformation?” Why can it also be called a “Catholic Reformation?”

The Roman Catholic Church was called a “Counter Reformation” because the intent of the reformation was to gain supporters back to Catholicism and to improve Catholic practices. It was a response to the Protestant Reformation which gives it the name of countering. It can also be called the Catholic Reformation because it did not entirely change, it was more so a change in the practices of the Catholic Church rather than to combat