The spread of Calvinism: France, Scotland, Netherlands, Germany, Poland and eastern Europe
Calvin's version of Protestantism spread far beyond Geneva after the 1540s. It took root in France, Scotland, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and eastern Europe — each in different ways.
Real World
The Genevan Academy (founded 1559) acted as a Calvinist missionary factory: John Knox trained there before returning to Scotland, where he transformed the Kirk into a Presbyterian institution — showing how one institution shaped the religion of an entire nation.
Exam Focus
Organise spread by region with a different explanatory factor for each — political patronage (Scotland), noble leadership (France), urban networks (Netherlands) — to access higher mark bands.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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