Major revolutions do not happen in isolation. The background to any revolution is plowed before the seeds of revolution are even planted. This is certainly true with the Reformation. Italy during the Middle Ages controlled the religion and much of the wealth of Europe. By 1517, this was rapidly changing.
Directions:
Create a concept web of the factors leading to the Reformation using the bulleted information below. You may use any software or website to do this. After you have submitted the link or document below, print a copy and place it in your binder. Please refer to the document below to help fully analyze these causes and the causes of any other turning point we study this year.
- People, not just the clergy, were learning to read due to cheaper books made from printing presses. - People started reading the Bible on their own - People started to think on their own, and not listen only to priests. - People started reading the ancient non-Christian Greeks-Homer, Aristotle, and Plato-once again. -New ideas of science and mathematics from the Muslim intellectuals were being read. - New scientific ideas by Copernicus and others questioned the thinking of the Church. - Erasmus (1466-1536) and the other humanist thinkers were quietly and intellectually pushing the Church to reform. - The new printing press rapidly spread revolutionary ideas. - The rulers and priests in Germany were angry at seeing money earned in their states being sent to Rome to build rich palaces and churches. - Many opposed the sale of indulgences, or pardons from sins.