European Reformations Overview

A belief that a king's right to rule comes directly from God and is not dependent on the consent of the people.

The system of government where the monarch holds absolute power and is not limited by any constitution or parliament.

The grand palace built by Louis XIV to house the court and control the nobility; it was a symbol of his power and grandeur.

Louis XIV's strategy to dismantle the power of the nobility by bringing them to court and keeping them under his control.

The position of the French king was considered by Louis XIV as the most important role in the world.

Martin Luther's protest against the Catholic Church's sale of indulgences, which led to the formation of Protestantism.

The practice of selling indulgences, which allowed people to buy forgiveness for their sins, was a major point of contention for Martin Luther. He believed that salvation could only be achieved through faith in God, not through monetary offerings.

Luther's excommunication from the Catholic Church marked a turning point in history, as it led to the establishment of Protestantism. It signified a separation of power and a shift in religious thought.

The Edict of Nantes was a decree issued by King Henry IV of France in 1598, granting religious freedom to Protestants (Huguenots). It brought an end to the religious wars that had ravaged France for decades.

King Henry VIII's desire for an annulment from Catherine of Aragon led to his break with the Catholic Church and the creation of the Church of England. This move had a profound impact on English history and politics.

Queen Elizabeth I of England was a formidable ruler who strengthened England's position on the world stage. During her reign, England embraced Protestantism, engaged in exploration and colonization, and emerged as a powerful naval force.

Privateers were authorized pirates who acted on behalf of a nation to raid and capture enemy ships. Queen Elizabeth I employed privateers to disrupt Spanish trade and weaken their maritime power.

The Spanish Armada was a massive naval fleet assembled by King Philip II of Spain to invade England in 1588. However, the Armada suffered a crushing defeat, marking a turning point in European history and solidifying England's naval dominance.