identify two specific ways the Catholic Church tried to stop the spread of Protestantism.
1. Counter-Reformation: The Catholic Church responded to the spread of Protestantism by launching a series of reforms collectively known as the Counter-Reformation. The Counter-Reformation was aimed at correcting the abuses within the Church and winning back the trust and loyalty of the people. The Church reformed and tightened discipline on monasteries, convents, and clergy, and established new religious orders like the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits).
2. Inquisition: The Catholic Church also launched the Inquisition, aimed at suppressing the spread of Protestantism through different European countries. The Inquisitors were tasked with the job of identifying and punishing individuals who were suspected of heresy, and reports indicate that many people suffered torture and even the death penalty as a result of the Inquisition's activities. The aim of the Inquisition was to create fear among the people and deter anybody from converting to Protestantism.