How did monarchs in Spain, France & England use religion to solidify their power?This is during time period of 1500-1700.

During the 16th century the Catholic Church was all
powerful all over Europe. However, with the Reformation its power and authority came to
be challenged.The century following the Protestant Revolution was a gruesome one in
Europe. Catholics and Protestants were constantly at odds. People were disemboweled,
hung, and burned for practicing their chosen religion.

In
England Mary I (18 February 1516 – 17 November 1558) was the eldest daughter of the
 Protestant, Tudor King Henry VIII. On ascending the throne she quickly restored Roman
Catholicism in England. She was nicknamed "Bloody Mary" because she persecuted the
Protestants and burnt many of them at the stake.

Similarly,
King Charles I [1600-1649] who married a Catholic Princess and had Catholic sympathies
was executed by the Puritans led by Oliver Cromwell after a bloody Civil
War.

Oliver Cromwell [1599-1658] himself rigorously
enforced Puritanism during his rule.