Exam 15: Europe Transformed: Reform and State Building

Correct Answer:

Answered by Examlex AI Copilot

The Spanish Armada refers to a large fleet of ships that was assembled by King Philip II of Spain in 1588 with the intention of invading England. The fleet consisted of about 130 ships and was considered the most powerful naval force in the world at the time. The Spanish Armada's mission was to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I and re-establish Catholicism in England.

The Armada set sail from Spain in May 1588 but faced numerous challenges, including unfavorable weather conditions and effective resistance from the smaller, more maneuverable English navy, led by Admiral Lord Charles Howard and Sir Francis Drake. The English employed tactics such as using fire ships to break the formation of the Spanish fleet.

Ultimately, the Spanish Armada was defeated. The English navy inflicted significant damage, and the Armada was forced to retreat. On its way back to Spain, the fleet encountered severe storms around the north and west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, leading to the loss of many ships and sailors. The failed invasion attempt was a turning point in the history of naval warfare and marked the beginning of the decline of Spanish dominance in Europe. It also helped to establish England as a major sea power.

Correct Answer:

Answered by Examlex AI Copilot

The Catholic Reformation, also known as the Counter-Reformation, was a period of Catholic revival and reform that took place in response to the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. It was a movement within the Roman Catholic Church to clarify Catholic theology, reform clerical life and administration, and support the establishment of new religious orders.

Key aspects of the Catholic Reformation included:

1. The establishment of the Council of Trent (1545-1563), which was an ecumenical council that aimed to address doctrinal and disciplinary issues. It reaffirmed traditional Catholic beliefs and formulated decrees on various aspects of church order and discipline.

2. The founding of new religious orders and congregations, such as the Jesuits (Society of Jesus), founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola in 1540, which played a significant role in the revitalization of the Catholic Church. They focused on education, missionary work, and the direct engagement with Protestantism.

3. The implementation of the Roman Inquisition and the Index of Forbidden Books to combat heresy and to control the spread of Protestant ideas.

4. The promotion of religious education and the establishment of seminaries for the proper training of priests.

5. The encouragement of Baroque art and architecture as a means of inspiring faith and devotion among the faithful.

The Catholic Reformation was a complex movement that sought to renew the Church from within while also countering the spread of Protestantism. It had a profound impact on the religious, cultural, and political landscape of Europe, leading to a deepening of the religious divide but also to a resurgence of Catholicism in many areas.