I N T E R A C T I V E S T U D E N T N O T E B O O K

Teachers Curriculum Institute The Reformation Begins 1

What factors led to the weakening of the Catholic Church and the
beginning of the Reformation?
The Reformation Begins
Your schools principal has just enacted a policy regarding dress code violations that you
believe unfairly targets certain students. You would like to voice your opinion, but are
concerned that doing so might label you a troublemaker. Which of the following courses of
action should you take?
A. Ask for an appointment with the principal and explain your concerns about the policy face
to face.
B. Create a pamphlet that outlines your arguments against the new policy and pass it out to
students at lunchtime.
C. Stand on the sidewalk outside the school and, as students leave school for the day, protest
loudly against the new policy.
D. Ask your parents if you can transfer to another school where you know the dress code
policy is fairer.
E. Stay quiet and wait to see if other students are also upset before you start speaking out
against the policy.
Now, in a few sentences, explain why you chose that particular course of action.
P R E V I E W
I N T E R A C T I V E S T U D E N T N O T E B O O K
Teachers Curriculum Institute The Reformation Begins 2
1. Complete the chart below by identifying three similarities between the classroom activity
and the Catholic Churchs selling of indulgences.
2. Name three factors, besides selling indulgences, that contributed to the weakening of the
Catholic Church.
a.
b.
c.
Section 2
R E A D I N G N O T E S
Key Content Terms
As you complete the Reading Notes, use these terms in your answers.
indulgence Reformation Martin Luther
simony Protestant denomination
Classroom Activity Historical Connection
The school attempted to raise
money by selling points to
students.
Students who performed poorly
on the quiz or other assignments
were told they could still earn
high grades by buying points.
Students who honored the
academic process or couldnt
afford to buy points were
troubled by the policy, believing
it was wrong or unfair.

I N T E R A C T I V E S T U D E N T N O T E B O O K
Teachers Curriculum Institute The Reformation Begins 3
Section 3
1. What teachings and actions of John Wycliffe led the pope to accuse him of heresy?
2. What reforms did Jan Hus call for?
3. In what way did Catherine of Sienas approach to faith help prepare people for
the Reformation?
4. Who was Desiderius Erasmus? How did he help to prepare Europe for the Reformation?
I N T E R A C T I V E S T U D E N T N O T E B O O K
Teachers Curriculum Institute The Reformation Begins 4
1. Why did Martin Luther write the Ninety-Five Theses and post them on the door of a
church in Wittenberg?
2. Use this chart to compare and contrast Luthers beliefs with those of the Catholic Church.
3. What happened when Luther was brought before the Diet of Worms?
Section 4
Martin Luther Catholic Church
I N T E R A C T I V E S T U D E N T N O T E B O O K
Teachers Curriculum Institute The Reformation Begins 5
1. Name three factors that helped spread Luthers reforms across Europe.

2. What two Protestant reformers began new churches in Switzerland?
3. What personal and political reasons led King Henry VIII to split with the Catholic
Church?
4. Who was William Tyndale? For what important contribution is he most remembered?
Section 5
Personal Reasons Political Reasons
The Reformation
I N T E R A C T I V E S T U D E N T N O T E B O O K
Teachers Curriculum Institute The Reformation Begins 6
P R O C E S S I N G
In each outline, draw facial features to show how each of these six individuals felt about the
need to reform the Catholic Church. Then, under each head, complete the sentence to express
what each person would say about the Reformation. An example is provided.
Catholic Church Ofcial
We need reform because
Jan Hus
We need reform because
Desiderius Erasmus
We need reform because we
must put an end to Church
abuses in order to keep our
Church strong.
Martin Luther
We need reform because
John Calvin
We need reform because
King Henry VIII
We need reform because