Historical Terms and Concepts

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Indulgence

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A pardon given by the Roman Catholic Church in return for repentance for sins and payment. Controversially bought and sold prior to the Reformation. A cause listed by Luther in the 95 Theses.

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Simony

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The buying and selling of church offices, seen as a corrupt practice, was outlawed by the Catholic Church during the Counter-Reformation.

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Inquisition

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Roman Catholic tribunal for investigating and prosecuting charges of heresy; viewed as a reaction to the Protestant Reformation; used primarily in Spain and Spanish territories in the New World.

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Thirty Years War

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A war resulting from the Protestant Reformation (1618–1648 CE) in the Holy Roman Empire between German Protestants and their allies and the emperor and his ally, Spain; ended with the Treaty of Westphalia, causing the emergence of the state system in Europe.

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John Calvin

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French theologian who developed Calvinism; attracted Protestant followers with his teachings; believed in predestination, proven through hard work; lived from 1509 to 1564.

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Sikhism

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A syncretic religion founded in northern India in the 16th century, combining elements of Hinduism and Islam.

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Shogunate

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Japanese system of government under a shogun, who exercised actual power while the Japanese emperor was reduced to a figurehead.

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Daimyo

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Japanese feudal lord who commanded a private army of samurai and owed allegiance to the shogun.

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Jizya

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Tax paid by Christians and Jews in Muslim communities to allow them to continue practicing their religion; used by Islamic states to manage diverse populations.

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Millet System

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A system used by the Ottomans in which subjects were divided into religious communities, each enjoying autonomous self-government under its religious leaders.