Question

During the Middle Ages, the Church was the supreme power in Europe. But by 1500, some people challenged that authority with widespread consequences. Discuss the time period of the Reformation in a well-organized essay that addresses three of these topics: Describe two church practices that reformers wanted to change and why they wanted to change them. Explain how the split in Christianity into Roman Catholicism and Protestantism came about. Describe three ways in which the Roman Catholic Church attempted to reform itself and stop the spread of Protestantism. Explain how the Reformation led to political conflict and warfare during the 1500s.
Type your answer here.
(b) In the early sixteenth century, Spanish conquistadors took control of much of the Americas. The consequences were enormous. Discuss the Spanish conquest in a well-organized essay that addresses three of these topics: Explain two reasons for Spain's desire to establish an empire in the Americas. Describe the two Native American empires that fell to the Spanish. Include their locations, ways of living, leaders, accomplishments, and weaknesses. Identify the conquistadors who led the Spanish forces and explain how and why they were able to conquer the American empires. Describe the structure of the new Spanish colonies, the effects of colonization on the native populations, and the response of Spanish conquistadores.

Answer each one in very short sentence but very understandable, answer each one in order

Answers

GPT-4o mini
**Reformation Essay:**

During the Reformation, reformers sought to change practices like the sale of indulgences, which were payments for the remission of sins, viewing it as corrupt. They also aimed to reform the Church’s approach to scripture, advocating for personal interpretation over clerical mediation.

The split into Roman Catholicism and Protestantism happened as reformers, like Martin Luther, rejected papal authority and emphasized faith alone for salvation, leading to the rise of various Protestant sects.

In response to the Reformation, the Roman Catholic Church initiated the Counter-Reformation through the Council of Trent, which addressed abuses and clarified doctrines, strengthened the papacy, and increased educational efforts for clergy.

The Reformation spurred political conflict and warfare, notably the Thirty Years' War, as Protestant and Catholic states vied for power, leading to significant territorial, political, and religious shifts across Europe.

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**Spanish Conquest Essay:**

Spain sought to establish an empire in the Americas for wealth, driven by the promise of gold and silver, and to spread Christianity, motivated by religious fervor.

The two prominent Native American empires that fell to the Spanish were the Aztec Empire in Mexico, known for its advanced agriculture and wealth, and the Inca Empire in Peru, recognized for its engineering and vast territory.

Leaders like Moctezuma II of the Aztecs and Atahualpa of the Incas faced weaknesses such as internal dissent and the underestimation of Spanish technology, which facilitated their downfall.

Conquistadors like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro led the conquests by leveraging alliances with disenfranchised tribes, employing superior weaponry, and utilizing tactics like ambushes.

The Spanish colonies were structured with a rigid caste system, leading to significant declines in native populations due to diseases and exploitation, while conquistadors responded by consolidating power and expanding territorial claims.