Catholic Persecution
Just compare the “Anti-Catholicism” Wikipedia page to the “Anti-Protestantism” Wikipedia page and the reality that Catholics are a persecuted religious group really sinks in. I am ashamed that I did not question the stories I was told growing up, even in my public high school history class the language was tame and Protestantism was praised. There of course have been issues in the Catholic church, just the same as any other institution but they are beaten and bruised lot and I was taught it was the other way around. I am still working and still learning but I am also terribly sorry for my ignorance. The state wanted Catholic land and Protestant occupation was much more kind toward state power. Land theft is the first step of oppression and persecution, and this theft wasn't of the robin hood kind. For anyone else that this is new information to you, I would encourage you to start with the Wikipedia pages. It isn't enough information I am sure, but I don't think I can look away from it all now.
The persecution of Catholics, the power of Protestants.