Political Change due to the Protestant Reformation and Religious Wars

Martin Luther started the Protestant Reformation. It all started when Luther opposed to the indulgences in Rome. His Ninetyfive Theses raised many issues and started a long period of debate in Europe based on religion. He also criticized papal wealth. Luther's ideas attracted many people, resulting in loss of Christianity.

Another reformer was John Calvin. Calvin believed that God selects certain people to do his work and that he was selected to reform the church. Under Calvin, Geneva became "a city that was a church". The city of Geneva was the model for international Protestantism, and Calvinism which became the most influential form of Protestantism.

The Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office was also a large disagreement in Italy. This group was established by Pope Paul 3rd. It carried out the Roman Inquisition as a way to enforce heresy. It had the power to arrest, imprison, and execute people as they please.

Spain decided to attack England under the ruler, Philip 2nd. This decision was made because Philip wanted keep England Catholic and he wanted to attack the Dutch, but knew he had to take over England first. Phillip supported Mary Queen of Scotland's plot to kill Elizabeth of England. The Spanish Armada, Spain's navy, failed to attack England, so Philip agreed to a truce.