PROTESTANT REFORMATION DBQ: Day 2

MODEL DOCUMENT (Doc 1)

Document 1: John Wycliffe (1370s)
(Read silently)

👉 Read to answer the questions — not to retell the story.
1. According to Wycliffe, how were Church leaders abusing their religious authority? 
2. How could Wycliffe’s criticisms weaken religious unity in Europe if more people  accepted his ideas?

Multiple Choice

What does Wycliffe accuse Church leaders of doing?

• Promoting social justice over traditional beliefs.
• Encouraging community service instead of personal gain.
• Focusing on theological debates rather than practical issues.
• Silencing critics by calling them heretics

Multiple Choice

Which line BEST supports Wycliffe’s claim?

• A. “The apostles of Jesus Christ never constrained any man…”

• B. “They shall be slandered… and forbidden to teach Christ’s Gospel…”

• C. “They were certain of their salvation in heaven…”

• D. “Many new points of belief were created…”

Multiple Choice

If more people accepted Wycliffe’s ideas, what would MOST LIKELY happen?

• A. Religious unity would increase

• B. Church authority would go unchallenged

• C. Religious unity would weaken

• D. The Pope’s power would expand

HOW THIS HELPS YOUR ESSAY

Why This Matters

• This document = evidence of weakened unity

• You can use it in:

  • your introduction

  • a body paragraph

PROTESTANT REFORMATION DBQ: Day 2

By Isiah Jones

TODAY’S FOCUS

Today

• Read to answer questions

• Use evidence

• Think about unity vs. division

👉 No summaries.

DBQ QUESTION

DBQ Question

To what extent did the Protestant Reformation weaken political and religious unity in Europe?

While reading, ask:

• Does this weaken or strengthen unity?

BACKGROUND

Background Reminder

• Reformers challenged Church authority

• New Protestant groups formed

• Conflict increased across Europe

👉 Background = context for your introduction.

INDEPENDENT WORK

Your Task (30 minutes)

Read Documents 2–4
Answer ALL analysis questions for each document.

As you work, focus on:

• Cause & effect

• Whether the document shows the Reformation weakened or strengthened unity

✏️ Use short, clear responses.
📄 Use evidence from the text only.

👉 You will share your answers after.

Multiple Choice

Which cause-and-effect relationship is BEST supported by Documents 2–4?

• A. Church leaders used indulgences to increase unity by encouraging shared religious practices

• B. Church leaders defended indulgences to maintain authority, which increased criticism and resistance

• C. Critics of the Church supported indulgences to weaken papal power

• D. Indulgences had little impact on religion or politics in Europe

Multiple Choice

A student claims: “The Church’s response to criticism helped preserve unity.”

Which evidence from Documents 2–4 BEST challenges this claim?

• A. The Pope condemns Wycliffe to protect the Church

• B. Church leaders argue indulgences help believers

• C. Luther argues indulgences deceive people and misuse authority

• D. Indulgences are described as acts of mercy

DBQ INTRO PARAGRAPH (EXIT TICKET)

Using your annotations, notes, and document evidence, write an introductory paragraph that includes:

1️⃣ Context
Briefly explain what was happening in Europe before and during the Protestant Reformation
(use the Background + Timeline)

2️⃣ Thesis Statement
Answer the DBQ question:

To what extent did the Protestant Reformation weaken political and religious unity in Europe?

👉 Your thesis must clearly state how much unity was weakened (or partially maintained).