Changes

The '''Counter Reformation''' (from about 1560 to around 1610 or as late as 1648, according to some historians) was a partially successful effort by the [[Roman Catholic Church]] to roll back the [[Protestant Reformation]]. Using new religious orders like the Society of Jesus (the [[Jesuits]]), which worked among the people rather than retreating from the world in the manner of monks, and addressing much of the corruption and complaints that had weakened the Church and given the Reformers many arguments, the Church managed to hold or reclaim most of Southern and Eastern Europe. The terrirories involved included Spain, Italy, Austria, France, and large parts of Poland, Hungary and Germany.  By clarifying Catholic theology and reducing objectionable practices, it hoped to either reabsorb or neutralize the Protestant movement while renewing the faith of the Catholic Church.   

The '''Counter Reformation''' (from about 1560 to around 1610 or as late as 1648, according to some historians) was a partially successful effort by the [[Roman Catholic Church]] to roll back the [[Protestant Reformation]]. Using new religious orders like the Society of Jesus (the [[Jesuits]]), which worked among the people rather than retreating from the world in the manner of monks, and addressing much of the corruption and complaints that had weakened the Church and given the Reformers many arguments, the Church managed to hold or reclaim most of Southern and Eastern Europe. The terrirories involved included Spain, Italy, Austria, France, and large parts of Poland, Hungary and Germany.  By clarifying Catholic theology and reducing objectionable practices, it hoped to either reabsorb or neutralize the Protestant movement while renewing the faith of the Catholic Church.