Martin Luther and the Reformation

The Birth of Martin Luther

Nov 10, 1483

Martin Luther was born to Hans Luther and his wife Margarethe, in Eisleben, Germany.The next day, he was baptized as a Catholic.

Martin Luther's Life

Period: Nov 10, 1483 to Feb 18, 1546

The 95 Theses

Oct 31, 1517

Luther nailed the 95 Theses on the door of the castle church in Wittenberg, accusing the Catholic church of heresy. He invited scholars to debate with him and someone copied his words. That someone took those words to a printer. Luther's name became known across Germany and his actions started the Reformation.

Martin Luther summoned to Worms

Apr 17, 1521

Martin Luther was summoned to Worms to either renounce or confirm his views of the Catholic Church. Martin Luther confirmed his views on the Catholic Church.

Edict of Worms

May 25, 1521

Emperor Charles the Fifth, issued the Edict of Worms, declaring Martin Luther as an outlaw. According to the edict, no one was to give Luther food or shelter. Also, all of Luther's books were to be burned.

The Start of the Lutherans

Mar 6, 1522

Luther returned to Witttenberg in 1522. He discovered that many of his ideas were being practiced. Luther and his followers started a separated religious group called the Lutherans.

Peasants' Revolt

May 15, 1525

German peasants got excited over the reformers talk of Christian freedom, so they demanded an end to serfdom. Angry peasants raided and burned monasteries. Luther got upset and told German princes to kill the rebellious peasants.

Martin Luther's Marriage

Jun 13, 1525

Martin Luther married Katharina von Bora, a former nun, on June 13, 1525. His marriage started the tradition of clergy getting married.

The Start of Protestantism

Aug 15, 1529

In 1529, German princes who had remained loyal to the pope, agreed to join forces against Luther's ideas. The princes who supported Luther signed a protest agains taht agreement. These protesting princes came to be known as protestants.

Martin Luther's Death

Feb 18, 1546

Martin Luther died of natural causes. His last written words were: "Know that no one can have indulged in the Holy Writers sufficiently, unless he has governed churches for a hundred years with the prophets, such as Elijah and Elisha, John the Baptist, Christ and the apostles... We are beggars: this is true."

Peace of Augsburg

Sep 25, 1555

Charles V went to war against the Protestant princes and defeated them in 1547. In 1555, Charles was sick of fighting and he ordered all of the German princes to gather in Augsburg. There, they all decided that each ruler would decide the religion of his state. This agreement was called the Peace of Augsburg.