Question 1

What was "revolutionary" about Martin Luther's ideas, and what was not revolutionary?

Accepted Answer

Martin Luther's ideas were revolutionary in several ways. Firstly, he challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and its teachings, particularly the sale of indulgences. He argued that salvation could not be bought or earned through good works, but rather through faith in God alone. This challenged the long-held belief that the Church had the power to grant salvation.

Additionally, Luther's emphasis on the Bible as the ultimate authority for Christian belief and practice was revolutionary. He translated the Bible into German so that ordinary people could read and interpret it for themselves, rather than relying solely on the clergy for guidance. This idea of individual interpretation of scripture was a significant departure from the Catholic Church's teachings.

However, not all of Luther's ideas were revolutionary. For example, his belief in the concept of predestination, the idea that God has already determined who will be saved and who will be damned, was not entirely new. This idea had been discussed by theologians before Luther's time.

Overall, Martin Luther's ideas were revolutionary in their challenge to the authority of the Catholic Church and their emphasis on individual interpretation of scripture, but some of his theological concepts were not entirely original.

Question 2

Compare and contrast absolutism in central and eastern Europe with absolutism in Louis XIV's France and Kangxi's China.

Accepted Answer

Absolutism in central and eastern Europe, as well as in Louis XIV's France and Kangxi's China, shared some similarities but also had significant differences.

In central and eastern Europe, absolutism was characterized by strong monarchies that sought to centralize power and control over their territories. This was often achieved through the use of a large bureaucracy and the suppression of noble privileges. The rulers in this region, such as Frederick the Great of Prussia and Peter the Great of Russia, aimed to modernize and strengthen their states through absolutist policies.

In Louis XIV's France, absolutism reached its peak with the Sun King's reign. Louis XIV centralized power in himself and his royal court, using elaborate ceremonies and rituals to emphasize his divine right to rule. He also expanded the bureaucracy and military to further consolidate his control over the country.

In Kangxi's China, absolutism took on a different form. The Qing dynasty emperor ruled with a combination of Confucian principles and Manchu traditions, seeking to maintain stability and harmony within the vast empire. Kangxi's reign was marked by a strong central government, expansion of territory, and efforts to promote economic growth and cultural development.

While all three regions practiced absolutism, there were notable differences in the way it was implemented. Central and eastern Europe focused on modernization and territorial expansion, Louis XIV's France emphasized the divine right of kings and centralized control, and Kangxi's China sought to maintain stability and promote cultural and economic development. These variations reflect the unique historical, cultural, and political contexts of each region.

Question 3

Of the two major Protestant reformers, Luther and Calvin, who was the most revolutionary figure? Why?

Accepted Answer

Both Martin Luther and John Calvin were revolutionary figures in the Protestant Reformation, but if we were to compare the two, Luther could be considered the most revolutionary. Luther's 95 Theses, which he nailed to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in 1517, sparked the Reformation and challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. His emphasis on salvation through faith alone and the authority of scripture over tradition directly challenged the teachings of the Catholic Church and led to a significant break from its doctrines.

Calvin, on the other hand, built upon Luther's ideas and developed his own theological system known as Calvinism. While Calvin's teachings had a significant impact on the Protestant movement, they were more of an expansion and refinement of Luther's ideas rather than a direct challenge to the established religious authority.

In conclusion, while both Luther and Calvin were influential in the Protestant Reformation, Luther's initial actions and teachings were more directly revolutionary in challenging the existing religious authority, making him the more revolutionary figure of the two.

Question 4

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? 
The period between 1560 and 1650 in Europe was truly an age of crisis. 
Use examples from the religious, economic, social and political sphere to support your position.

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Question 5

How did intra-Protestant and Protestant-Roman Catholic divisions influence events between the late 1500s and the end of the Glorious Revolution? Were the divisions intrinsically religious, or were religious differences in part the result of economic or social factors?

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Question 6

Compare and contrast Lutheranism, Calvinism and Catholicism. Where did they share common ground, and where did they differ?

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Question 7

Why is absolutism considered a response to the general situation of crisis in Europe? Support your answer with examples.

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Question 8

Using examples from art and literature, describe the flourishing of European culture. Should this be considered a reflection or a reaction to the political and economical situation of this period?

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Question 9

Instructions: Identify the following term(s). 
new monarchies

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new monarchies...

Question 10

What conventions covered marriage during the early modern period in Europe, and how did these compare to those in other parts of the world?

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Question 11

Of the major individuals discussed in this chapter, who was the most "modern" and who was the least modern? In answering this question, be sure to include a definition of "modern."

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Question 12

Is it accurate to say that there was a military revolution in Europe in the seventeenth century? Why or why not? Be specific and give evidence to back up your argument.

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Question 13

Compare and contrast the Roman Catholic Reformation with the Protestant Reformation. Where did they share common ground and where did they differ?

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Question 14

Instructions: Identify the following term(s). 
Machiavelli's The Prince

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Machiavelli's The...

Question 15

Discuss the most significant individuals and events involved in the rise of Protestantism in Germany, Switzerland, and England.

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Question 16

"The economic and social changes that occurred during the fifteenth and early sixteenth century inevitably led to the Protestant Reformation." Do you agree? Why or why not?

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Question 17

Why did the government of France become the center of European absolutism? Why not Russia? Was it simply fate or chance or were there other factors which could explain why the era became known as the Age of Louis XIV?

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Question 18

Explain the differences in the terms Catholic Reformation and Counter Reformation .

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Question 19

What were the most significant aspects of the witchcraft craze of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries? Why was it so widespread? Why did it decline?

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Question 20

Compare and contrast political developments in France and England during the seventeenth century. What are the possible differences between the two kingdoms which led to absolutism in France and limited/constitutional monarchy in England?

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Quiz 15: Europe Transformed: Reform and State Building