Revivalism, Missions, and Modernism, 1789-1914

REVOLUTION AND THE PAPACY, 1789–1815

The Roman Catholic Church in the 19th Century

The French Revolution

The Roman Catholic Church suffered many losses during the French Revolution, including the loss of its temporal possessions and much of its political influence.

The Romantic Reaction

However, the church was able to regain some of its lost ground during the Romantic reaction that followed the Napoleonic wars.

The Romantic Movement emphasized an intuitional approach to life, and this appealed to many people who were seeking a more emotional and spiritual connection with religion.

The Jesuits were also reinstated during this time, and they began to work on educational and missionary activities.

The Catholic Emancipation Act

In 1829, the Catholic Emancipation Act was passed in Britain, which allowed Roman Catholics to vote and hold public office.

The Oxford Movement

The Oxford Movement in the Anglican Church also helped to strengthen the Roman Catholic Church, as many Anglicans converted to Catholicism during this time.

Pope Pius IX

Pope Pius IX, who reigned from 1846 to 1878, further strengthened the church by proclaiming the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of Mary in 1854.

However, Pius IX also condemned many of the new ideas of the day, such as nationalism, liberalism, and biblical criticism.

This led to a growing rift between the Roman Catholic Church and the modern world.

Key Takeaways

• The Roman Catholic Church experienced a number of challenges during the 19th century, but it was also able to regain some of its lost ground.
• The Romantic Movement and the Oxford Movement were both important factors in the church’s resurgence.
• Pope Pius IX was a key figure in the church’s revival, but his condemnation of modern ideas led to a growing rift between the church and the world.

Second Great Awkening

19th Century Reforms: Crash Course US History #15