Advanced Placement (AP) World History Practice Exam 2025 - Free AP World History Practice Questions and Study Guide

The individual recognized for initiating the Protestant Reformation is Martin Luther. In 1517, Luther famously published his Ninety-Five Theses, which critiqued the Catholic Church's practices, particularly the sale of indulgences. His ideas emphasized salvation by faith alone and the authority of the Scriptures, challenging the established Church's teachings and practices. Luther's actions set off a wave of religious reform that spread across Europe, leading to the formation of various Protestant denominations and significant changes in Christianity.

While John Calvin also played a crucial role in the Reformation by developing the theology of predestination and establishing a distinct branch of Protestantism, and Huldrych Zwingli was significant in reforming practices in Switzerland, their contributions came after Luther's initial actions. Henry VIII's break from the Catholic Church was largely political, motivated by personal circumstances and a desire for an annulment, rather than a theological reformation like Luther's work. Thus, Luther's impact marks the definitive beginning of the Protestant Reformation.