Geneva
A city in Switzerland where John Calvin established the Republic of Geneva in 16th century
Real World Example
Geneva became an important center during the Reformation when John Calvin established it as a hub for Protestant reform. This highlighted the growing divide between Catholic and Protestant beliefs, representing the broader religious and cultural shifts of the Renaissance and Reformation period. These events emphasized individual interpretation of religious texts and a move towards personal responsibility in faith, ideas that still influence modern society. Today, the emphasis on individual rights and freedoms can be traced back to such changes, affecting how people live and express themselves. For example, the freedom to choose one's religion or the idea of democratic governance in many countries has roots in these historical shifts.