Protestant Reformation: A massive movement in Europe that caused major political, social, and cultural changes throughout the world. It created a new branch of Christianity and caused immense strife for the Catholic church and Catholic nations.

Martin Luther's 95 Theses

Oct 31, 1517

On this date, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses, also known as Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences which were written questions and ideas for debate about the issues that he believed existed in the Catholic Church, to the doors of the Wittenberg Castle church in Germany. This act is often documented as the start of the protestant reformation.

Diet of Worms

1521

This was called by Emperor Charles V who ordered Martin Luther to attend this court of inquisition. Luther was supposed to either affirm or recant his beliefs stated with the ninety-five theses, which he did when he confirmed his beliefs. As a result of his affirmation of beliefs, the Edict of Worms was issued that labeled a heretic. As a heretic, he would be tried as a criminal so with the help of Prince Fredrick he escaped to Germany where he developed his teachings and translated the Bible.

Henry VIII awarded the title of Defender of the Faith

Oct 17, 1521

Henry VIII, a devout Catholic and King of England, responded with vicious attacks towards Luther for his statements against the church. He wrote a book called the Defense of the Seven Sacraments which was dedicated to the Pope Leo and defended the principles of the church. Pope Leo X named Henry the defender of the faith for his loyalty towards the church and allegiance of his nation with the church.

Start of the English Reformation

1533

After years of the English crown being unstable due to unclear line's of succession when Henry VIII came to the thrown one thing it was crucial to him to have a clear male heir. When his first wife Catherine of Aragon did not produce a male heir he wanted to annul his marriage and marry his then-pregnant mistress Anne Boleyn. His request for an annulment was denied by Pope Clement VII, but Henry responded by withdrawing England's allegiance to the Catholic Church with the Act of Supremacy.

Act of Supremacy

1534

In 1534 Henry VIII split England from the Catholic Church and founded a new church, The Church of England, which was Protestant in name despite having very little difference with the Catholic Faith. The act of supremacy in 1534 from Parliament supported Henry as the head of the English church as well as recognized his marriage to Anne Boleyn.

Society of Jesus

1534

The Society of Jesus was a religious congregation of the Catholic church that was founded by Ignatius de Loyola in Spain, one of the Catholic church's greatest supporters, in 1534. This group was one element of a large movement against the Protestant Reformation known as the Counter-Reformation, which aimed at spreading Catholicism and stopping the spread of Protestantism. This religious group is still present around the world today also known as Jesuits.

John Calvin's Institutes of Christianity and Religion

1536

John Calvin was a religious thinker who was inspired by Martin Luther. He published his book, Institutes of Christianity and Religion that detailed his views on religion and Protestantism. Calvinism, the denomination of Christianity that follows Calvin's teachings, believe salvation cannot come through actions, but only by God's will, which countered popular Catholic belief's such as penance or indulgences. Calvinism is one of the many Protestant Denominations that arose with the reformation.

Dissolution of the Monasteries

Period: 1536 to 1540

After Henry VIII separated from the Catholic church as began the Church of England as a separate church he also began to take over monasteries that were established throughout England, both as a way to diminish the Catholic presence in England and a way to collect land and help England finacially.

Book of Common Prayer

1549

The book of common prayer was a service book of prayers compiled by Thomas Cranmer in 1549. Many editions were also made and released throughout the following years. This book allowed for active involvement in the church and individual religion that rose after the Protestant Reformation.

Peace of Augsburg

1555

The Peace of Augsburg was a settlement to diffuse religious conflict among the Holy Roman Empire as a result of the Reformation. It allowed for the state princes to decide which religion to support and created free cities where both religions could practice their religions.This settlement was the first legal actions to allow for the coexisting of Lutherans and Catholics, but it did not allow any protections for the practise of any other brances of Protestantism such as Calvinism.