“Why can’t we all just get along”

Religion is an important part of history and culture.

To understand the reasons why many people left their homes and settled in America, we must understand the changes in religion in Europe.

This is not an endorsement of any particular religion.

For centuries, there was only one type of Christianity—Roman Catholic

If you were Christian, you were Catholic

In 1517, a priest named Martin Luther began to criticize some of the practices of the Catholic Church.

He felt that the Church had become too wealthy, and that the Pope, the leader of the Church, had become too powerful.

Many people agreed with Luther, and began protesting the Catholic practices. These people became known as Protestants

Protestants wanted to reform the Catholic Church.

This is why this time period is known as the Protestant Reformation.

The invention of the printing press helped the Protestants spread their ideas through essays.

What do you think was printed more as a result of the invention of the printing press?

Allowed people to read and interpret the Bible on their own.

Protestant groups and Catholics began fighting wars all over Europe.

In France, for example, the Huguenots, a Protestant group, fought constantly with the Catholics. Regular people were caught up in these wars,

and their farmlands were often turned into battlefields.

In England, Henry VIII had a problem. He wanted to have a son to inherit his throne, but his wife kept having girls.

We now know that this was probably his fault, not his wife’s....

Henry asked Pope Clement VII to grant him a divorce, so he could marry someone who might give him a son.

Divorce VERY uncommon and frowned upon...his request was denied.

Henry starts his own church called the Church of England.

He made himself the head of the church. Required everyone in England to become a part

of his church Anglicans: members of the Church of England

Married 6 women! He really wanted a son!

Executed 2! Anne Boleyn Catherine Howard

Jane Seymour gives him a son...Edward VI, but he dies at a young age

Elizabeth I, his daughter, became one of England’s most influential rulers.

In Spain, the Catholic Church was still the official religion.

People who disagreed with the Church, including Jewish people or Muslims, were put on trial and tortured.

Spanish Inquisition

Many people decided to leave the European countries that persecuted them for their beliefs. They started new colonies in America.

Persecute: to be harassed or punished based on beliefs or religion

Later, the Constitution would protect people in the United States from persecution based on religion.

What is the official religion in the U.S.?

1. Chapter two is about the English colonization of America. Why is it necessary for us to learn about the religious changes in Europe from 1500-1700?

2. How did the Protestants get their name? Who was their leader in the Protestant Reformation?

3. The printing press was a form of media in the time period we are studying. How does the media help to spread ideas today?

4. In your opinion, what was Henry the VIII like?5. Why did Henry the VIII start the Church of England?6. What were followers of the Church of England called?7. What impact do you think the Spanish Inquisition had on

colonization?8. Does persecution occur today? Brainstorm (make a list)

examples.