Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

How did the Protestant Reformation impact the authority of the Catholic Church?

1. It significantly strengthened the Church's influence

2. It led to the fragmentation of Christianity and weakened its authority

3. It increased the Church's political power in Europe

4. It resulted in more stable governance under the Church

The correct answer is: It led to the fragmentation of Christianity and weakened its authority

The Protestant Reformation had a profound impact on the authority of the Catholic Church by leading to the fragmentation of Christianity and weakening its influence. Initiated by figures such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and others, the Reformation challenged the widespread practices and doctrines of the Catholic Church. The call for reform addressed issues such as the sale of indulgences, clerical corruption, and the authority of the Pope, which many reformers viewed as overreaching. As a result of the Reformation, new Protestant denominations emerged, such as Lutheranism, Anglicanism, and Calvinism, each with distinct beliefs and practices. This diversification of Christian thought led to a significant loss of followers from the Catholic Church, creating religious conflicts and a more divided Christian landscape across Europe. The ensuing wars of religion, such as the Thirty Years' War, further complicated the Church's authority as regional powers often took sides based on religious affiliations. Additionally, the Reformation diminished the political power the Catholic Church held throughout the Middle Ages. Many European monarchs and states began to assert their independence from papal influence, leading to a reconfiguration of religious and political power dynamics in Europe. Thus, the Protestant Reformation fundamentally altered the relationship between the Church and its followers, shifting the