Learner resource 1 – Centre stage
Introduction
The 15th and 16th century in Europe was a turbulent period in terms of religious, political, social and
economic development. Although your study focuses on religious reformation and revival, it is
important to realise that this occurred while society was also experiencing moments of war, disease,
famine and cultural change. When studying the events of the Catholic Reformation, you will need to
consider causation (reasons for development) as well as characteristics (features of development).
However, it is impossible to consider these without an understanding of human motivation and
reaction on an individual level. Why did some individuals act or behave in the way they did and how
far did they cause change on a wider scale? Whether focussing on your Themes topic on individuals
or analysing a specific event and development, the following activity should help you to develop your
thinking. If you can explain the role of individuals and then prioritise their importance verbally, this
will help you to develop your skills of evaluation and analysis within written work and essays.
Activity
Focus on a specific event or development during the Catholic Reformation. Look back at your
reading and notes prior to completing the diagram below. If you discuss the issues with a fellow
student or within a group, it will help your analytical thinking. The aim is to choose a minimum of four
and a maximum of seven individuals who you think were the most influential (or most responsible)
for the event or development under consideration. In addition to limiting the number of individuals,
you need to decide where they should be placed on the diagram. If you decide during the process
that you have chosen the wrong individuals, amend your choice accordingly. Consider these
questions to help you analyse. For example:

Who was ultimately responsible and therefore ‘centre stage’ (Hint: they were clearly in the
spotlight or central to events)

Who played a leading supportive role? (Hint: they assisted intentionally or unintentionally)

Who was influential but ‘backstage’ and behind the scenes? (Hint: think about long-term
and unobservable influence)

Who was instrumental as an ‘observer’? (Hint: their reactions played a key part even if
indirect)
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The Development of the Nation State: France
1498–1610 delivery guide
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Audience
Backstage
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The Catholic Reformation 1492–1610
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Extension activities/questions:
Reflection:

How difficult was it to make a decision about the significance of individual roles?

Was there any difference between your initial thoughts and your eventual decision?

If so, why do you think that was?
Questions:

How similar or different do you think a Catholic or Protestant impression of the event might
have been shortly after its occurrence?

Have historians differed in their view over individual roles and responsibility in relation to
this event? Does your conclusion support any particular historian’s views?

Make a list of all the factual or argumentative points you would use to justify your opinion.
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The Catholic Reformation 1492–1610
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