Examine the Northern European painting (Hans Holbein the Younger, The Ambassadors, 1533) and the Southern European painting
(Caravaggio, Crucifixion of St Peter, 1600), and use them to discuss the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic CounterReformation. Include at least three important points in your short essay
Which was NOT a known consequence of the Little Ice Age?
War and other types of conflict increased due to competition for scarce resources.
Forced confinement and wintry landscapes inspired the creation of new works of art and literature.
Stark conditions aggravated the instability in China that ultimately brought about the end of the Ming Dynasty.
Coastal communities suffered the most due to their inability to leverage trade to diversify foods and supplement their diets.
Isolated inland communities suffered the most due to their inability to leverage trade to diversify foods and supplement their diets.
Which statement is NOT true?
A major element of the scientific revolution was the proliferation of tools that greatly enhanced researchers’ ability to observe the world around them.
According to Enlightenment thinking, humans were inherently good but susceptible to degrees of corruption due to flawed institutions.
Christianity remained a foundational belief system to Enlightenment thinkers, an extension of the scientific revolution.
A virtuous society, to revolutionary figures of the 18th century, would be founded on rational, well-ordered, representative government.
Full Answer Section
- The rise of humanism: Humanism was a philosophical movement that emphasized the importance of the individual and the human experience. Humanists were critical of the Catholic Church's emphasis on authority and tradition.
- The invention of the printing press: The invention of the printing press in the mid-15th century made it possible to produce and distribute books and pamphlets more cheaply and easily than ever before. This helped to spread the ideas of the Reformation throughout Europe.
The Reformation led to a number of significant changes in European society. Some of the most important changes include:
- The rise of individualism: The Reformation emphasized the importance of the individual relationship between the believer and God. This led to a decline in the authority of the church and an increase in individual freedom.
- The spread of literacy: The Reformation led to a dramatic increase in literacy rates in Europe. This was due in part to the need for Protestants to be able to read the Bible for themselves.
- The development of new forms of government: The Reformation led to the development of new forms of government, such as constitutionalism and democracy. These new forms of government were based on the idea that the people are the source of political authority.
The Reformation also had a profound impact on the arts and sciences. The emphasis on the individual led to a new focus on the human experience. This is reflected in the work of artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. The Reformation also led to a renewed interest in learning and scholarship. This is reflected in the work of scientists such as Copernicus and Galileo.
The Protestant Reformation was a major turning point in European history. It led to a number of significant changes in European society, culture, and politics. The effects of the Reformation are still felt today.
In addition to the above, the Protestant Reformation also had a number of other important consequences, including:
- The rise of sectarianism: The Reformation led to the division of Christianity into a number of different sects, such as Lutheranism, Calvinism, and Anglicanism. These sects often clashed with each other, leading to religious wars and persecution.
- The decline of the Catholic Church: The Reformation led to a decline in the power and influence of the Catholic Church. The church lost millions of followers, and its authority was challenged by Protestant reformers.
- The rise of modern science: The Protestant emphasis on individual reason and critical thinking helped to pave the way for the rise of modern science. Protestant scholars such as Johannes Kepler and Galileo Galilei made important contributions to the development of scientific knowledge.
- The development of democracy: The Protestant emphasis on individual liberty and the right of private judgment helped to lay the groundwork for the development of democracy. Protestant countries such as the Netherlands, England, and the United States were among the first to adopt democratic forms of government.
The Protestant Reformation was a complex and multifaceted event that had a profound impact on the course of European history. Its effects are still felt today in the form of the many different Protestant denominations that exist around the world.
Sample Answer
The Protestant Reformation was a major religious movement that swept through Europe in the 16th century. It began with the publication of Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, and quickly spread throughout the continent. The Reformation led to the establishment of Protestantism, a new branch of Christianity that rejected the authority of the Catholic Church.
The causes of the Reformation were complex and multifaceted. Some of the key factors that contributed to the movement include:
- Corruption in the Catholic Church: The Catholic Church was widely seen as being corrupt and in need of reform. The sale of indulgences, a practice in which the church sold forgiveness for sins, was particularly controversial.