Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam 2025 - Free AP History Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Jesuits, officially known as the Society of Jesus, were founded in the 16th century by Ignatius of Loyola and played a pivotal role in the Catholic Reformation. Their mission was to counter the Reformation and to strengthen the Catholic Church through education, missionary work, and engaging with Protestants. One of their primary objectives was indeed to convert Protestants back to Catholicism. They utilized various methods, including preaching, educational initiatives, and missionary work in regions where Protestantism had taken hold or where they sought to expand Catholic influence.

The Jesuits were instrumental in the establishment of universities and schools that promoted Catholic teachings and offered a rigorous intellectual approach to theology, which appealed to many people. Their commitment to engaging with the modern world and adapting their methods made them effective in both spiritual and educational endeavors, further reinforcing the Catholic Church's reach and influence during this tumultuous period in European history.