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Jan 1, 1300
Renaissance
The Renaissance opened up the gate to the acceptance of new ideas on every social issue, scientific theory, and political theories. The Renaissance played a key role in sparking the Protestant Reformation by starting this flood of the acceptance of change and the proposal of new ideas in every aspect. -
Period: Jan 1, 1300 to Jan 1, 1500
Renaissance
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Period: Jan 1, 1300 to Jan 1, 1400
Bubonic Plague
The Bubonic Plague devestated the land and created much doubt in the Catholic Church. It also opened up an era where new inventions, new ways of life were not looked down upon. This allowed intelectual growth, new inventions, and new ways of learning and becoming whatever you want if presented to you -
Jan 1, 1416
The split of Western Christianity
This was a time of corrupt church officials, peasant uprisings, and wars between princes. This caused further doubt in the Catholic faith in turn helping the creation of the upcoming Reformation -
Jan 1, 1450
The Invention of the Printing Press
The invention of the printing press made it possible for everyone, not only a few wealthy lords, to own books. Theories, new social ideas, politics, economic subjects, and religious views could be shared and spread all over the world a hundred times faster than before. This contibuted to the starting of the reformation by allowing new religious ideas to spread quickly over land. This allowed all the new religious beliefs to spread and start a religious revolution. -
Jan 1, 1498
Girolamo Savonarola Executed
Towards the end of the Renaissance, reform was near and the criticism of the Catholic Church was rising. The Church thought they could show other people they will not tolerate uprisings against them. However, Girolamo Savonarola did not care what the Catholic Church would do and continued his criticism of the Catholic Church. He paid with his life but he also contributed to the starting of the greatest religious reformation in history. -
Period: Jan 1, 1500 to
Reformation
The Reformation was probably the largest religious movement and revolution in history. A new religious group, Protestants, arose against the rules and laws of the Catholic Church. This lead to the creation of more religious groups within Protestantism creating more conflicts and arguments between leading reformers. The Reformation would also be the cause of the Thirty Years War, and other such conflicts that had a significant effect on Europe. -
Jan 1, 1510
Erasmus
Erasmus could be considered one of the first Reformers. His writings about Christianity paved a way for the Reformers. He wrote that one can only reach heaven by personal faith alone and not by good works like the Catholics believed. This was one of the bases for the Protestant Reformation. -
Jan 1, 1517
Martin Luther
Luther posted the ninety-five theses stating what was wrong with the corruption of the Catholic Church. It also stated what was wrong with their belief system and how they believe that good works earn your way to heaven when Luther stated that personal faith alone is what makes you eligible to go to heaven. This was one of the events that started the Protestant Reformation. -
Gustavus Adolphus
Gustavus was the king of Sweden. His impact on the war was tremendous in the defense of Protestantism. He was a notable military leader and strategist. He was known to always be commanding right in the fight, always getting in the action which lead to his death in 1632. His influence spured the war in the favor of the Protestants, he is considered the best military leader in history. -
Ferdinand II apointed ruler of Bohemia
Ferdinand was a devout Catholic immediately causing turmoil and tension between him and his protestant subjects. Uprisings appeared in Bohemia, one of the first steps to the thirty years war. Spain backed Ferdinand, for they were the reason for his election to King of Bohemia. With Spain's support and a powerful military he did not hesitate to answer the uprisings. -
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30 Years War
The Thirty Years War became a result of the Reformation and a consequence because it raised religious and political turmoil from all the conflicts between Protestants and Catholics, and conflicts between nations of different religious heritage. -
Albrecht von Wallenstein
He was hired by Ferdinand II to lead his armies against the Protestant uprisings. His position as commander immediately took effect on the war and turned the war in the Catholics favor. He almost could have finished the war but Ferdinand released him of his duties due to a series of Protestant victories. Soon though he was hired back only to be assassinated after a series of victories. Ferdinand did this out of fear of his ambition. Wallenstein was an important factor in the war as one can see.