In the 16th century the Europeans influenced by Renaissance, ran a movement against autocracy and supremacy of Pope and evil designs, blasphemy and treachery of church and this came to be known as Reformation movement. Due to improvised movement the result was religious instability and new sects came into existence. Reformation movement, affected the European people’s religious, educational, economic and moralistic activities.
The main impacts are as follows :
1. Effects on religion : With the reformation movement, in whole of Europe, the high handedness in religion or divine power of churches came to an end forever. The people affected by Protestantism or protestant path, established the Christian churches. In short, it can be said that Christian faith divided into two folds—Catholic and Protestant.
2. The Spread of Nationalist Feelings : Reformation movement’s success led to increase in power and authority of monarchs. Protestants allowed states to choose their religion independently and ended the rights of Catholic Pope. The appointment of religious officers was authorised to states. With the increase in power of states, the feeling of nationalism and patriotism began to rise.
3. Effect on Education : The religious movement for improvement led to a rapid spread of education. Societal organizations and states opened many institutions. Progressive, logic based and scientific education was given.
4. Development of language : With the reformation movement the regional languages also were recognized. Many religious holy texts, political books were written. Religious reformers created many literature based books in popular languages.
5. Effect on economy : After reformation movement the church land was distributed among agriculturist, this led to wealth of states. The ties of church were used by businessmen, to invest in trade, commerce and industries for growth and this led to importance of labour establishment and national capital increased.
6. Effect or influence on morality : Reformation movement, made people straight forward, simple, sacrificing and moralistic and educated people to live life based on humane qualities. The Protestants called the path of God as moralistic. Calvin’s followers presented straight forward and simplistic life and personal moralistic discipline as human ideal.
