Civilization Week 4

Question 1: What were the causes and consequences of the Spanish revolt that occurred after Charles left to be crowned Holy Roman Emperor?

The Spanish revolt occurred because the Spanish people didn’t like being controlled by a foreign ruler. Charles didn’t even speak Spanish, and the people felt he was ill-suited to rule their territory. After Charles left to be crowned Holy Roman Emperor, the people revolted. This revolt greatly exhausted the people, so much so that when Charles returned he had a very easy time regaining authority over the people.

Question 2: What were the causes of the Dutch revolt? What was the “demonstration effect”?

The reasons for the Dutch revolt were all the intolerant acts King Phillip was executing against the protestants. He prosecuted thousands, intimidated them with a 10,000 man army, and under the Duke of Alba imposed a 10% sales tax. A full scale revolt was the response, and the Dutch defeated the Spanish and earned their independence in 1648.

The demonstration effect is when a country is inspired by another country that they think works effectively. In turn they adapt that countries methods into their own governing.

Question 3: Who were the contenting parties in the French wars of religion? What was the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre? What was the Edict of Nantes?

The French wars of religion were fought between the Catholics and the Protestants, also called Huguenots. The St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre was a large scale slaughter of over 10,000 Protestants. After that horror the two sides wrote the Edict of Nantes, a truce which guaranteed safety and tolerance to both religions.

Question 4: Describe the religious policy of Elizabeth I.

Elizabeth I seemed to be more of a grey area religious wise than many of her former monarchs. Her views and beliefs were a way for her to appeal to the people, so instead of choosing only one side she tended to stay more neutral. She appreciated many aspects of the Catholic church, but would not allow herself to be ruled by the papacy. Instead she remained absolute head of the church in England, and did her best to please both Catholics and Protestants.