The history of humanity is characterized by many historical periods which significantly influenced the path of development. These include wars, revolutions, upheavals, death or rise to power of new persons, and reforms. The latter includes significant changes that have occurred due to the policies and efforts of one or more individuals. As a rule, the reform period is characterized by a sharp change in the course of the country’s policy or legislation, which affects further development. The aim of the work is to analyze the legacies of the Reformation on the Continent, the British Isles, and America and the influence of the differences in Europe and America.
Among the reasons for the Reformation in Europe were the development of cities, the crisis of the Catholic Church, and changes in the mass consciousness of humanity. The various decisions associated with the Reformation led to political divisions and contributed to the conflicts that affect people today (Gregory, 2017). The consequences of the Reformation in Europe include both positive and negative, which is formulated by the restructuring of the social order. Among the consequences is an increase in the level of education among the population and a transition from feudal economic relations to capitalist ones (Gregory, 2017). In addition, a new direction in Christianity appeared namely Protestantism, which began to gain popularity from that moment.
The consequence of the Reformation in the British Isles was the strengthening of power by changing the priority organs of government. The Holy Scripture was claimed as the only credible source of faith in dogmas. In addition, the catholic dogma claims that the church has saving power in order to strengthen the authority among the population (Gregory, 2017). The nationalization of the church contributed to the formation of the fundamental pillar of absolutism, which also strengthened the current government. King was the head of the church and ruled the clergy as a part of the government structure of absolute monarchy. The tithe, which was charged, now began to come at the disposal of the king and persons owning monastic lands.
The effects of the Reformation influenced, among other things, the early emergence of colonial America. It is formulated by the fact that this period created the conditions for the movement of people to certain territories. English colonists, explorers and migrants went to North America due to religious, social, and geopolitical reasons (Gregory, 2017). Thus, the influx of different social strata of the population, in theory, was accompanied by the rise of certain infrastructure. It also includes the arrival of the Pilgrim Fathers, who came to establish a new colony and community in North America. They were distinguished by deep religiosity and reverence for traditions, including the celebration of Thanksgiving, which nowadays has become an integral part of modern traditions.
The difference between how the Reformation affected America and Europe can be concluded by the consequences for these territories. As already indicated, the main consequences for Europe were a change in consciousness among the population and the transition to a capitalist model. In the future, this will influence the economic models of European countries and financial relations. The main consequences of the Reformation in America are the emergence and development of Protestantism and the impact on the creation of new colonies. It can be formulated as one of the driving forces for the beginning of the emergence of additional social structures in America. In the future, this became one of the bases for a significant migration of people from different countries to America and the growth of immigrants.
Reference
Gregory, B. S. (2017). Rebel in the Ranks: Martin Luther, the Reformation, and the Conflicts That Continue to Shape Our World. HarperCollins.