Unit 2

The Reformation and Early Nationalism

Day 1 and 2

The Reformation & the Wars of Religion, c. 1517‑1648

Read
• Sullivan, the Text, Chapter 27, on "Germany", right column, 2" paragraph, p.366 ‑369. Please refer to the map, p.365, checking the boundaries of the Holy Roman Empire and of the "Hapsburg Dominions" of the emperor Charles V. Also read Chapter 29, "The Reformation, pp.381‑388 (stop at Catholicism); p.390; and "Summary", pp.392‑4.
• Erik Erikson, Young Man Luther (excerpt)
• Max Weber, The Protestant Work Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (excerpt)
• Reformation Timeline
• Reformation Glossary
• Reformation Chart

Concentrate on the following:

  1. The disposition and character of the Renaissance Holy Roman Empire
  2. The political position of the Emperor and the role of the Hapsburg family, in particular, Charles V
  3. The forces of disunity within the empire
  4. Textual conclusions on the success of the national monarchies and causes of new dynastic wars of the sixteenth century, as well as the Ottoman Turk "menace"
  5. The importance of 1555 and 1559 in Hapsburg. history
  6. The thesis of paragraphs 1 & 2, p.382
  7. The Background to the Reformation. Was the dissatisfaction revolutionary?
  8. What four major movements comprised the Protestant Reformation?
  9. Describe Luther; salvation by faith; Tetzel and indulgences; the 95 These; the Bull of Excommunication; the Diet of Worms.
  10. What forces contributed to social, economic, and political turmoil? What was Luther's position on the Peasants' Revolt?
  11. What was Luther's appeal?
  12. Describe Lutheranism.
  13. What ere the political results of Luther's revolt?
  14. Describe Calvin, Calvinism, and Calvin's Geneva and try to explain why Calvinism was "the most dynamic force in Protestantism."
  15. Was the Reformation inevitable in England? What form did it take under Henry VIII, Edward, Mary, and Elizabeth? What is meant by the Elizabethan compromise?
  16. What English groups took issue with Anglicanism?
  17. Describe the theory and history of Anabaptism.

Days 3-5

Your homework for the sub-unit will be to write a 3-5 page (double-spaced) short essay (due during the first week of the next unit) answering the following question (see also Unit 2 Essay Assignment):

How does the Reformation expand upon or overturn the reforms of the Renaissance (ie. More and Machiavelli)?

Use More and Machiavelli as points of comparison to discuss one or all of the reformers (Luther, Calvin, Muntzer, Simons, Sattler, Hut). You may wish to consider one or more of the following topics:

    1. free will
    2. human nature
    3. predestination
    4. obedience to rulers and the authority of princes
    5. obedience to the pope
    6. the role of the individual
    7. nationalism and the Reformation
    8. the Peasants' Revolt and the political implications of Protestantism

Day 3
Luther
Martin Luther tacking up the 95 Theses
The 95 Theses

Split up texts:
Group 1 read #1; Group 2 read #2; Group 3 read #3; Group 4 read #4; Group 5 read #5 and #6.
All read #7

1. "Disputation of Doctor Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences" or the "95 Theses", 1517

2. "On Christian Liberty", 1520.

  • At what point in Luther's life was this written?
  • What is its Reformation history context? (see Text too, please)
  • What role does faith play in Luther's thought?
  • How important is the Word of God?
  • What is it, according to Luther?
  • Why does he favor faith over good works?
  • What did he mean by "A Christian man is the most free lord of all.. Consider the revolutionary impact of these doctrines.

3."To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation", 1520.

  • How would you characterize Luther's appeal to the lay powers of the Holy Roman Empire?
  • What are the political implications of such an appeal in the sixteenth century Holy Roman Empire?
  • What are the "three walls" behind which the "Romanists" have hid?
  • How does he demolish them?
  • What is meant by the phrase "we are all consecrated as priests by baptism"?
  • What are its revolutionary implications?
  • Describe Luther's tone in this pamphlet. Why is it important?
  • Assess the potential political impact of this pamphlet in the Holy Roman Empire. Why might these words fall on welcome ears and itchy fingers?
  • How would More react to these principles?

4."The Twelve Articles" &"Luther's Admonition to Peace", 1524‑5.

  • Consider the impact of Lutheranism on the German peasantry. What specific grievances are cited in the document?
  • What is the tone of the document?
  • How and why does it attack the "godless"?
  • How have the peasant leaders misunderstood Luther's teachings?
  • What is Luther's response in his "Admonition"?
  • How will he respond when violence erupts?

5."Against the Thieving, Murderous Hordes... ", 1525.

6. "On the Jews and Their Lies", 1543.

  • How did Luther's views on the Jews evolve?
  • How does Luther attack the Jews and what does he policies does he propose?
  • Consider Luther's role in promoting fanaticism.
  • How does this color your historical understanding of Luther?
  • How would Sir Thomas More and company have reacted to this tract?

7. George W. Forell, Luther's Theology and Domestic Politics

8. Erik Erikson, Young Man Luther (excerpt)

Day 4
Calvin


John Calvin

1. John Calvin, "Institutes of the Christian Religion," 1536/1559 & "Ecclesiastical Ordinances". "On Obedience to Secular Rulers", 1561. (handout)

2. John Calvin, "On Civil Government and Resistence" from "Institutes of the Christian Religion," 1536

  • What seems to be Calvin's view of human nature? How is God revealed?
  • Note the importance of Scripture in Calvinism (Protestantism, generally) and asses the practical effect of such a view.
  • How is Calvin's background reflected in his writing?
  • According to the Catechism, what is the Church? How does one become a member?
  • Why are good works insufficient to assure salvation? Upon what does salvation depend?
  • What is the relationship between faith and works?
  • What is meant by "repentance"?
  • How do Luther and Calvin differ? Can you detect some of those differences in their style ofwriting?
  • What is Calvin's stance on obedience to secular rulers? Why is it important?

Use handout for overview. For the essay you may wish to search the entire "Institutes of the Christian Religion" online at:
John Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion A New Translation, by Henry Beveridge, Esq (1599)
see index to pursue specific topics

Day 5
Anabaptists
Menno Simon
Thomas Muntzer

1. "Anabaptism" #42, pp 164-66 (Michael Sattler) and Hans Hut, "On the Mystery of Baptism" #43, pp.166-168 (handout). A fuller translation of Michael Sattler's trial is at the "Martyrs' Mirror" site.
2. Thomas Muntzer, "Sermon Before the Princes." (handout)
3. Menno Simons, "Rejection of the Use of Force" and the editor's comment, "The Anabaptists and the Case for Religious Liberty" (handout)