2. Causesof the ProtestantReformation:
• Indulgences - Pope Leo X (r. 1513-21) authorized sale by Johann
Tetzel to finance Renaissance beautification of St. Peter’s
Basilica.
• Nepotism - appointed nephews
• Simony –offices sold
• Pluralism –multiple offices
• Absenteeism – Clergy outside parish
• Pope Alexander VI (r. 1493-1503), b. Rodrigo Borgia
3. Causesof the ProtestantReformation:
• Church corruption
• Avignon Papacy
• Selling of indulgences.
• Popes acting like political leaders and warriors instead of
providing spiritual leadership
• Priests acting improperly
• Church ignoring calls from Christian humanists for return to
simple Christian ethics
• Greed of secular leaders 1/3 of Europe church land
• Printing Press
76. German towns decimated.
Agriculture collapsed famine
8 million dead 1/3 of the population [from
21 million in 1618 to 13.5 million in 1648]
Massive inflation.
Trade crippled throughout Europe.
Germany remains disunited until 1871
The French Phase, 1635-1648