History
What is The Protestant Reformation?
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.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains the protestant reformation.
Key things to understand
- 1It began in 1517 with Martin Luther's protests.
- 2It challenged the authority of the Catholic Church.
- 3It created new Protestant Christian churches.
- 4It reshaped European religion, politics, and culture.
Frequently asked questions
- 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.