The Reformation
Understand the religious revolution that reshaped Europe.
Learn
Key Concepts
- Martin Luther: German monk who challenged Catholic Church practices in 1517
- 95 Theses: Luther's list of criticisms, especially of indulgences
- Protestant: Christians who "protested" against Catholic Church practices
- Printing press: Helped spread Reformation ideas quickly
- Counter-Reformation: Catholic Church's response and reforms
Practice
Question 1: Who is considered the founder of the Protestant Reformation?
Answer
Martin Luther, a German monk who posted his 95 Theses in 1517.
Question 2: What were indulgences?
Answer
Payments to the Catholic Church that were believed to reduce punishment for sins. Luther strongly criticized this practice.
Question 3: How did the printing press help spread Reformation ideas?
Answer
The printing press allowed Luther's writings to be quickly copied and distributed throughout Europe, reaching many people.
Question 4: What does "Protestant" mean?
Answer
It comes from "protest" - Protestants were Christians who protested against certain Catholic Church practices and beliefs.
Question 5: What was the Counter-Reformation?
Answer
The Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation, including reforms and efforts to stop the spread of Protestantism.
Question 6: Name one way the Reformation changed Europe politically.
Answer
It weakened the political power of the Catholic Church and led to religious wars between Catholic and Protestant regions.
Question 7: What was Luther's main criticism in the 95 Theses?
Answer
Luther criticized the sale of indulgences and argued that salvation comes through faith alone, not through payments to the Church.
Question 8: Who founded the Church of England?
Answer
King Henry VIII separated from the Catholic Church and established the Church of England in 1534.
Question 9: What is one lasting effect of the Reformation?
Answer
The creation of multiple Christian denominations (Lutheran, Calvinist, Anglican, etc.) that still exist today.
Question 10: Why did the Reformation spread faster than earlier reform movements?
Answer
The printing press allowed ideas to spread quickly and widely. Earlier reformers did not have this technology.