Counter-Reformation

Movement initiated by the Catholic Church at the Council of Trent (1545–63) to counter the spread of the Reformation. Extending into the 17th century, its dominant forces included the rise of the Jesuits as an educating and missionary group and the deployment of the Spanish Inquisition in Europe and the Americas. See also Germany: history 1519–1815, impact of the Counter-Reformation; and Spain: history 1492–1936, reign of Philip II.