ABSTRACT
The Czech Hussite movement in all its intensity and ramifications is incomprehensible without the preceding basic predisposition of the Czech people for religious reform. The departure of the German students and professors showed that the issue of reform would have to be fought out uncomplicated by problems of nationalism. The Czech Reformation lasted three centuries and disappeared in the humiliation of persecution and ignominious flight. The movement for reform was soon to gain momentum and take on more definite form in the persons and activities of two powerful preachers and a broadly trained scholar. The very grim determination with which the hierarchy and Hus' many enemies went about the task of quelling the reform movement was of itself a tribute to his leadership and the wide support he commanded among the people. In Poland, also as a defense against the energetic counterreform activity of Cardinal Hosius, the Protestants had agreed on a confession at a synod at Sandomierz in 1570.
