The Reformation and Its Impact in Europe

The Reformation was a dynamic movement affecting all of Europe, stemming from a desire for religious and political reform.
John Calvin's teachings in Geneva formed the core of the Protestant cause, inspiring many to rebel against the Roman Church's authority.

A climate of unrest in France due to economic, political, and religious corruption, particularly among the clergy.
Jacques Lefevre, a key reformer, published commentary in 1512 asserting justification by faith rather than good works.
Luther's writings were translated into French, spreading his ideas and gaining traction among the populace.
Protestantism found support primarily among merchants and artisans, with an estimated 30,000 Lutheran followers by 1534, although the movement lacked organization and leadership.

Calvin, originally from France, maintained a strong connection to the Reformation efforts back home while leading in Geneva.
In 1536, Calvin published "The Institutes," which laid the foundation for the French Reformation with doctrines, worship practices, and church governance.
Calvin trained numerous Frenchmen in Geneva and corresponded with reformers inside France, considering the country a mission field.
By 1560, roughly one-fourth of the French population was sympathetic to Protestantism; approximately 2,000 places of worship were established.
The Huguenots emerged as a prominent group within the Protestant community, known for their integrity and virtue, leading to the saying "honest as a Huguenot."

Under King Henry II, Protestants faced social but not severe physical persecution. His death left his young sons under the influence of their mother, Catherine de’Medici, and the Catholic Guise family.
This resulted in a contentious power struggle, with the Protestant Houses of Bourbon and Chatillon opposing the Guise family’s dominance.
An increasing conflict arose between the Catholic majority and the burgeoning Protestant minority, leading to eight wars between the two factions.
Gaspard de Coligny of the House of Chatillon became a prominent leader for the Protestant cause.