Martin Luther's posting of the Ninety-Five Theses in 1517 is widely regarded as the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation.

Martin Luther was a German theologian, priest, and professor of theology who initiated the Protestant Reformation.

The Protestant Reformation was sparked by theological disagreements between Protestants and Catholics on various issues, including the role of the Bible, the nature of the Eucharist, and the authority of the Pope.

Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony, provided protection and support to Martin Luther and other early Protestant reformers.

The Council of Trent was a series of meetings held by the Catholic Church from 1545 to 1563 in response to the Protestant Reformation.

Henry VIII broke with the Catholic Church in the 1530s and established the Church of England, making himself its Supreme Head.

The French Wars of Religion were a series of conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in France from 1562 to 1598.

The Edict of Nantes, signed in 1598, granted religious freedom to Protestants in France and ended the French Wars of Religion.

The Schmalkaldic War was a conflict between the Protestant Schmalkaldic League and the forces of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V from 1546 to 1547.

The Peace of Augsburg, signed in 1555, ended the Schmalkaldic War and established the principle of cuius regio, eius religio in the Holy Roman Empire.

The Dutch Revolt, also known as the Eighty Years' War, was a conflict between the Spanish Habsburgs and the Dutch Protestants from 1568 to 1648.

The Treaty of Münster, signed in 1648, ended the Dutch Revolt and recognized the independence of the Dutch Republic.

The Thirty Years' War was a major religious and political conflict in Europe from 1618 to 1648.

The Treaty of Westphalia, signed in 1648, ended the Thirty Years' War and established a new religious settlement in Europe.

The Protestant Reformation had a profound impact on European society and politics, leading to religious wars, political instability, the rise of individualism, the decline of feudalism, and the promotion of literacy and education.