History of Switzerland · Reformation, Napoleon and neutrality
The Reformation
Topic
In the 16th century, many people in Europe wanted to renew the Catholic Church. For example, they criticised the fact that people could buy their way out of their sins with money. This religious movement is called the Reformation. It began in 1517 in Germany with Martin Luther. It gave rise to the Protestant faith, in Switzerland usually called «Reformed» or «Evangelical Reformed».
In Switzerland, Huldrych (Ulrich) Zwingli was the most important reformer. From 1519 he preached at the Grossmünster in Zurich. From 1523, Zurich introduced the Reformation. Later, Bern and Basel, for example, followed. In Geneva, John Calvin was active from 1536. His teaching spread to many countries.
Not all cantons became Reformed. Central Switzerland, for example, remained Catholic. So the Reformation split the Confederation into two denominations. This led to wars, the Kappel Wars. In 1531, Zwingli died in the Battle of Kappel. The tensions between Catholics and Reformed shaped Switzerland until well into the 19th century.
Memory aid: Zwingli in Zurich, Calvin in Geneva: both cities are centres of the Reformation.
Key terms
- Reformation
- Reformation: religious renewal movement in the 16th century that gave rise to the Protestant churches.
- protestantisch / reformiert
- Protestant / Reformed: the faith that arose with the Reformation; in Switzerland the church is usually called Evangelical Reformed.
- Konfession
- Denomination: a branch of faith within Christianity, for example Catholic or Reformed.
Exam questions on this topic
- In the 16th century there was an important religious movement in Europe and in Switzerland. What is it called?Correct answer: B, Reformation
- Which new religious denomination emerged with the Reformation?Correct answer: D, the Protestant faith
- What led to the denominational split of Switzerland?Correct answer: B, the Reformation