Sunday, December 1, 2019

How did shifting beliefs within the Christian church affect seats of power in Europe during the Protestant Reformation? Give a few examples of how this affected the daily life of associated populations during the time. Think in terms of laws, rights, and trade. Consider and propose how these collective historical experiences might have informed the creation and establishment of early America during "the Enlightenment."

This is a big question. So, here are some thoughts . . .
The first thing to be aware of is that with the Protestant Reformation there really wasn't any longer a single unified Christian Church in the West. Rather, Western Christiandom shattered into lots of different denominations and smaller churches, and this created a lot of social and political instability, because religion was a very powerful force in people's lives.
This instability is perhaps most obviously seen in the religious wars. Additionally, it should be noted that this armed religious conflict could take the form of Civil War, as is perhaps most clearly expressed in the French Wars of Religion. Interactions between Catholics and Protestants were very often mired in sectarian violence.
In addition, you can discuss institutional suppression imposed by the State, in favor of one Church over another. Consider the Spanish Inquisition (which ultimately answered to the Spanish Crown), or the English anti-Papist Laws, or Louis XIV's decision to revoke the Edict of Nantes. There is also the subject of censorship and consider the effects it might have had on the exchange of ideas and self expression.
In short, there's a lot you can examine in the Reformation and a lot of places you can take this question.

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