8.27.2020 Protestant Reformation review and intro to Thirty Years' War
Beginning in 1517, the Protestant Reformation has been described by some historians as the most influential movement in Western Civilization. A Europe that had been unified under Christianity in the Middle Ages found itself torn apart. Countries themselves were torn apart by religious differences, leading in some cases to a stronger, more absolutist centralized government (such as in France) or ultimately towards more tolerant governments (such as the Netherlands). In the aftermath: the Holy Roman Empire legalized certain Protestant faiths; Spain remained staunchly Catholic; France initially tolerated a limited presence of Protestants (the Huguenots) under the Edict of Toleration, which was later revoked under Louis XIV's "one king, one law, one faith" policy; and England ultimately settled on Anglicanism in its state support of Protestantism.
The Thirty Years War (intro) Be sure to understand the political structure of the Holy Roman Empire (HRE)! The German states were essentially autonomous -- ruled by a king, by a prince, by a duke or elector, etc. For political and protective purposes, an elected emperor governed as an overarching power. He was typically chosen from the Habsburg ruling family, creating a sense of dynasty that gave the appearance of being an inherited monarchy. The political power- plays between the emperor and the electoral states is what led to the Peace of Augsburg in 1555, as the emperor needed the support of Protestant states in combating Muslim armies.
The Defenestration. What is important about the Defenestration of 1618? It was the immediate cause of the Thirty Years' War. The king of Bohemia, desiring an all-Catholic state, sought to restrict Protestant practices. His violation of religious rights met with resistance, and his emissaries found themselves tossed out the windows. (Fortunately for them, they landed in a pile of manure!) Thus, a religious component instigated yet another war in the Holy Roman Empire. However, the war progressed, the war transformed into a politically-based conflict that allied (surprisingly) a Catholic nation with a Protestant one against an even bigger threat: the Hapsburgs and Spain.
lesson video: youtu.be/v6gFc7ahTio NOTE: The final ppt slide incorrectly says that Frederick II hired Wallenstein. Please correct to FERDINAND II hired Wallenstein.
8.26.2020: intro to PERSIA
Munchkinland! Every time I watch this clip I see more detail. Ways to categorize our observations is the PERSIA acronym:
P: Political (Who's in charge? )
E: Economic (How to make a living?)
R: Religious (What gives life meaning?)
S: Social (How do people relate to each other?)
I: Intellectual and Cultural (What philosophies/ideologies have influence? How are ideas expressed?)
A: Area (Where in the world? Hw do geographical features shape events?)
We will be referencing these categories often in class so it's a good idea to feel comfortable with their use! Sometimes, certain terms are difficult to categorize, especially when religious leaders also function as political leaders. And certain words in one form are categorized differently than if the same word takes on a different form. For example, slave labor is an economic system while slave is a social class.
PERSIA is only one of many options of historical analysis methods. The class handout included 8 others that, generally, emphasize similar skills. The two most prevalent skills include context and source. When looking at sources, understanding the period setting and the author are significant in more accurately analyzing sources. We will be working a lot with sources this year, which will give us plenty of practice in these skills!
btw, "aver" means "to state or assert as a fact."
lesson video: youtu.be/TNnXB2uFlyk
(FYI: Dress code does not apply to BA@Home students. Segment ends at 5:48.) Note: inclusion of video clip is for educational purposes only. Garland, Judy., et al. The Wizard of Oz. [Place of publication not identified] : Burbank, CA: Turner Entertainment Co., 1999. DVD.
8.25.2020
Welcome back! So good to see everyone again!
Today's lesson began with an introduction to school and classroom policies. Please be sure to wear your masks and practice social distancing! Yes, one-way traffic is inefficient. However, these modifications are instituted to prevent a return to remote learning.
Good discussions of "the West" and history as a concept in itself. Thanks for your distanced participation. Some great thoughts!
Tonight's homework is posted on Google Classroom (GC). Follow the worksheet instructions.
FYI, for those of you participating in class through BA@Home, I'm trying to post a recording of today's lesson but the technology is not cooperating. I will post the link when it is available. Until then, read the posted materials, which was the basis of the recording.
lesson video: classroom.google.com/u/0/c/MTI3MDIyMzQ2MTU4