Lesson Plan - Exploring Religious Violence and Persecution in 16th Century Europe

The century following the Protestant Revolution was a gruesome one in Europe. Catholics and Protestants were constantly at odds. People were disemboweled, hung, and burned for practicing their chosen religion.

This is also a significant stopping point in both World History and US History I courses. In World History, the religious wars of the time period were pivotal in the development of the modern state system. In US History, the violence contributed to a desire to leave Europe and start life anew in the colonies. This lesson would be terrific for either course.

This lesson plan leads students through an exploration of the extent of the atrocities committed in this time period. It makes use of visual prompts to encourage discussion and imagination. It also tasks students with writing a creative story - bridging the gap between Social Studies and Language Arts.

Anticipatory Set - The Opener

At the beginning of class, show the first five minutes of the movie Elizabeth (starring Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth). In this early clip, a group of three Protestants are burned at the stake in then-Catholic England.

This gruesome scene should be a good introduction to the topic. Have students note their reactions in their notebooks and briefly discuss them aloud.

If you do not have access to the movie, you could ask the students to spend several minutes answering the question - "Would you die for your religion?" Discuss the responses briefly.

Introduction

After discussing responses to the movie, introduce the topic for the day. This should be a short (five minute) overview of the situation in Europe.

Begin with the Protestant Reformation. In every part of Europe, either Catholics or Protestants have taken charge. The minority group generally faces the threat of violence - like the Protestants burned in the film clip.