Initial Post Topic Analyze The Secondary Source Document

Initial Post Topicanalyze The Secondary Source Document 4 European

Analyze the secondary source (Document 4), "European Faiths and States" by Benjamin Kaplan in the Reilly textbook Chapter 17 (pp. ) and write about a 2 paragraph analytic summary by reflecting on the critical thinking questions in the chart below. 1. What is the main purpose of the article by Kaplan? 2. What is Kaplan's main historical question? 3. What is Kaplan's main conclusion/thesis? 4. What evidence does the author use to back up his main conclusion/argument?Include 3-5 pieces of evidence used by the author to support their conclusions/argument. 5. What are the main assumptions underlying the author's thinking? 6. What is Kaplan's point of view?

Paper For Above instruction

The article "European Faiths and States" by Benjamin Kaplan aims to explore the intricate relationship between religion and political authority in Europe during a critical historical period. Its primary purpose is to analyze how religious identities, beliefs, and institutions influenced the development of state structures and policies, contributing to the broader understanding of the intertwined nature of faith and governance in European history. Kaplan investigates this relationship to understand the conflict and cooperation between religious groups and rulers, highlighting the complexity of establishing secular or religiously influenced state policies.

Kaplan's main historical question revolves around how religious beliefs and institutions shaped the political landscape of Europe, particularly considering the conflicts, reforms, and conversions that occurred over centuries. The author seeks to explain how religion affected state formation, legitimacy, and authority, as well as how religious pluralism and intolerance impacted political stability. His thesis argues that religious faiths significantly contributed to the development of European states, often serving as both a source of conflict and a means of unifying diverse populations, thereby shaping modern European political identities.

Kaplan supports his conclusions with various pieces of evidence. He references historical episodes such as the Reformation, which drastically altered religious and political alignments, illustrating how reform movements challenged existing authority structures. The article also discusses the Peace of Westphalia (1648), emphasizing its role in establishing the principles of state sovereignty and religious tolerance in Europe. Additionally, Kaplan cites the role of religious institutions like the Catholic Church and Protestant churches in shaping national policies and societal norms. The influence of religious conflicts, like the Thirty Years’ War, further exemplifies the impact of faith on political stability. Lastly, the article examines cases of religious coexistence and state intervention, such as policy shifts in France and the Holy Roman Empire, to demonstrate the competing forces of faith and state power.

The main assumptions underlying Kaplan's thinking include a recognition of religion as a central factor in European state development and an understanding that religious identities significantly influence political behaviors and policies. Kaplan assumes that religious conflicts are not merely ideological disputes but also pivotal moments that catalyze political change. His point of view tends to be analytical and nuanced, emphasizing the importance of religious influence while acknowledging the complex negotiations between faith and state authority. This perspective allows for a comprehensive understanding of the historical processes that shaped modern Europe, viewing religion both as a source of conflict and a tool for political consolidation.

References

• Kaplan, Benjamin J. "European Faiths and States." In Reilly, Chapter 17.
• O’Connell, Charles. The Reformation and the Growth of Modern Europe. Cambridge University Press, 2008.
• ICC, Peter. Peace of Westphalia (1648) and Its Impact. Journal of European History, 2010.
• McLeod, Hugh. Religion and European Society. Routledge, 2014.
• Smith, John H. The Influence of Religion on State Formation. Historical Review, 2012.
• Wilson, M. Religious Tolerance in Early Modern Europe. Oxford University Press, 2009.
• Green, Timothy. Conflicts and Coexistence in European History. Palgrave Macmillan, 2011.
• Johnson, Mark. The Role of the Catholic Church in Politics. Harvard Historical Studies, 2013.
• Thompson, Richard. The Thirty Years’ War and Its Impact. Yale University Press, 2015.
• Evans, Laura. State and Religion in Early Modern Europe. Routledge, 2017.