Question.3320 - Exploration vs. Reformation during the 1500's In a span of 25 years, the world saw two of the most revolutionary historical events, both of which changed the course of human experience. The first took place in 1492 and the second in 1517, and as it was they took place oceans apart. Christopher Columbus and Martin Luther have become the figureheads for the age of exploration and the Protestant Reformation which altered how people saw both the physical and spiritual world. One changed the world through external expansion and exploration of new continents... and the other changed the world through internal reform and rebirth of individuals.Which historical event was more revolutionary, the age of exploration or the Protestant Reformation? In your response be sure to include how you are going to define "revolutionary" and numerous examples to support your argument. You are allowed to include in your response other historical figures such as Jean Calvin and Hernan Cortes but be sure to give due attention to Columbus and Luther.
Answer Below:
Two of the most revolutionary historical events occurred within 25 years, each significantly changing the path of human existence. The first occurred in 1492, commemorating the start of the Age of Exploration with Christopher Columbus's journey to the Americas. The Protestant Reformation was started in 1517 when Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses at Wittenberg, Germany. This was the second event. Both events were seismic transformations in human history that reshaped the physical, spiritual, and intellectual realms despite being separated by seas.The spirit of exploration and expansion was personified by Christopher Columbus and his contemporaries, such as Hernan Cortes, who ventured into uncharted oceans and claimed new lands.The exploration and colonization of new continents by Europeans made possible by Columbus's expeditions across the Atlantic significantly altered international commerce routes, cross-cultural interactions, and geopolitical environments. Comparably, the social and political structure of the Americas was altered by Cortes's conquest of the Aztec Empire in Mesoamerica, opening the door for centuries of European domination.However, Martin Luther's 95 Theses questioned the Catholic Church's authority and ignited a religious revolution that echoed across Europe and beyond. Christianity was divided into many sects and factions as a result of Luther's focus on the individual interpretation of scripture and the priesthood of all believers, which undermined the Church's monolithic authority.In addition to changing the religious landscape, the Protestant Reformation had a significant impact on politics and society, helping to usher in the modern era of capitalism, nation-states, and the demise of feudalism.In the meantime, a new age of theological and intellectual inquiry was ushered in by the Protestant Reformation in Europe, sparked by Martin Luther's 95 Theses in 1517, and contested the Catholic Church's claim to religious authority. Luther's focus on the authority of scripture and personal conscience and his criticism of church procedures like indulgence sales caused much religious unrest throughout Europe. Following the Reformation, various Protestant movements emerged, each with its interpretation of Christian theology. These movements ultimately resulted in political unrest, theological conflicts, and the creation of modern nation-states.Although the Protestant Reformation and the Age of Exploration were both revolutionary movements, the latter had a more lasting and significant influence on human civilization. The Reformation transformed people's ideas of who they were, their place in the world, and their relationship with God. As a result, it created the foundation for contemporary secularism, democracy, and religious freedom. Luther's criticism of indulgences and the clergy's corruption upended the fundamental basis of medieval society, spurring a wave of reformers and altering the course of Western civilization.In summary, the Protestant Reformation transformed the world's spiritual and intellectual environment, while the Age of Exploration increased the physical bounds of human knowledge and connection. The Reformation brought in a new age of thinking and investigation and radically changed the path of human history by emphasizing individual conscience, religious freedom, and the authority of scripture. As a result, the Protestant Reformation is seen as the more revolutionary of the two historical occurrences, significantly impacting modern society, which is still felt today.More Articles From History
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