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What was the Protestant Reformation?

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Quick answer

The Protestant Reformation was a 16th-century religious movement that split Western Christianity. Begun in 1517 when Martin Luther challenged the Catholic Church, it created Protestant churches and reshaped European religion, politics, and society. It began in 1517 with Martin Luther's protests.

Key things to understand

  1. It began in 1517 with Martin Luther's protests.
  2. It challenged the authority of the Catholic Church.
  3. It created new Protestant Christian churches.
  4. It reshaped European religion, politics, and culture.

People also ask

What was the Protestant Reformation?
A 16th-century movement that broke from the Catholic Church and founded Protestant Christianity.
Who started the Reformation?
Martin Luther is credited with sparking it in 1517 with his 95 Theses.
How did the printing press help the Reformation?
It spread Luther's ideas rapidly and cheaply across Europe, fueling the movement.