Geneva's Reformation and Independence

Welcome to "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast." In today's episode, we delve into the fascinating journey of Geneva's independence during the tumultuous years of the Reformation. Christophe Chazalon's research reveals a complex and gradual process that shaped the city's destiny.

Geneva's path to autonomy was paved with significant milestones: the acquisition of civil jurisdiction, the ousting of the prince-bishop for treason, and the bold move to mint its own currency. The adoption of the Reformation in 1536 marked a pivotal moment in this journey. However, Chazalon challenges traditional narratives, emphasizing the nuanced reality of these events. Drawing from the meticulous records of Geneva's Council, he paints a picture of a city navigating a delicate balance of power. The study highlights Bern's crucial role as an ally and protector, while also exploring the complex web of relationships with France and the Holy Roman Empire.

This episode offers a fresh perspective on how Geneva transformed from a small city under Savoyard influence to the independent "Protestant Rome" we know from history.

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This historical popularization podcast is developed as part of the interdisciplinary project entitled "A semantic and multilingual online edition of the Registers of the Council of Geneva / 1545-1550" (RCnum) and developed by the University of Geneva (UNIGE), as part of funding from the Swiss National Scientific Research Fund (SNSF). For more information: https://www.unige.ch/registresconseilge/en.

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