Question

How did humanism influence events in Germany, England, Spain, and France?

Answer 1

Well, humanism was a huge influence upon the authority of the church during the Renaissance - it began as an expression of the inherent morality of humanity that was not necessarily viewed as separate from Christian faith. Later it would divide into Secular Humanism which arguably was one of the largest contributing factors in the French Revolution, the Magna Carta and much of the "rationalism" that influenced German thought. I don't have much knowledge of Spain so I'll leave that for someone else to comment. After WWII, humanists were in prominent positions in the United Nations, which directed much of the post-war effort for rebuilding Europe.