How Did The Reformation Affect Europe

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The Reformation affected the political life in Europe by increasing conflicts in Europe. The Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, ruled an immense empire, which he want to keep under control by keeping it Catholic. But, the Protestant Reformation brought a number of troubles to his empire. He had rivalry over territories with the king of France, Francis I, which led to wars that lasted over 20 years. Charles V also have a political problem in Germany, where his formerly loyal states turned on him and supported the Reformation as an act of asserting local authority. Eventually, Charles was unable to defeat the well-organized princes and forced to seek peace. The German states were now free to determine their religion between Catholicism and Lutheranism.