Evaluate the impact of Protestant ideas in one of the following: England; Scotland; France; The Netherlands.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of Protestant ideas in any one of England, Scotland, France or the Netherlands. Different types of Protestant ideas, for example Lutheranism, Anabaptism and Calvinism, may be evaluated depending on the country chosen. Candidates may address the political impact of Protestant ideas notable in their country of choice. In England, Henry VIII broke from Rome in part due to Protestant ideas, which gradually generated support from some of the population for a reformed church. In Scotland, after a period of persecution, reformers led by John Knox gained control and King James VI was brought up in the Protestant faith. In France, the persecution of Protestants led to the Wars of Religion and the St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre of Huguenots in 1572. In the Netherlands, William the Silent converted to Calvinism and led the Dutch rebellion against the Spanish. Less directly political impacts could also be discussed including changes in religious observance in some cases.

The question required candidates to make an appraisal of the impact of Protestant ideas in any one of England, Scotland, France or the Netherlands. Few responses were seen to this question. Candidates tended to answer with reference to England and the reasons for Henry VIII’s break from Rome.