The sixteenth century saw major revolts against the Roman Catholic establishment. Still today, aftershocks continue to impact the world since Europe has influenced many other regions. Explorers, colonizers, missionaries and traders carried with them Europe’s benefits and Europe’s conflicts.
Europeans, of course, did not have an abrupt awakening, suddenly realizing how corrupt their religion had become by 1500. Long before that, many were deeply concerned. But Rome’s grip was so tight, and its iron fist so ready to strike, that earlier attempts at reform did not get far. Movements started by brave men were largely wiped out. Their books were burned, leaving mainly Roman Catholic sources to tell us they once existed. Some groups that opposed Rome focused on improving morals, others on doctrinal corrections. Some tried to stay within Roman Catholicism; others tried to be independent. Some emphasized the Bible’s authority, others did not.