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  2. AP European History
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Luther and the Protestant Reformation

Abigail Young

Abigail Young

6 min read

Next Topic - Protestant Reform Continues

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers the Protestant Reformation, focusing on its causes and key figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin. It explores Luther's 95 Theses, indulgences, and the concept of divine grace. Calvinism and predestination are also discussed, along with other reformers like Zwingli and the Anabaptists. Core Protestant beliefs such as Sola Fide, Sola Scriptura, and the priesthood of all believers are explained, and the guide includes a comparison of Catholic, Lutheran, Calvinist, and Zwinglian beliefs. Finally, it offers practice multiple-choice, short-answer, and free-response questions related to the Reformation's social, political, and religious impact.

#AP European History: The Protestant Reformation - Your Ultimate Study Guide 🚀

Hey there, future AP Euro master! Let's dive into the Protestant Reformation, a HUGE topic for the exam. This guide is designed to make sure you're not just memorizing facts, but truly understanding the material. We'll break down complex ideas, highlight key connections, and get you feeling confident for test day. Let's get started!

#2.2 The Protestant Reformation (Causes)

This section focuses on the causes of the Reformation, particularly the key reformers and their beliefs. Remember, understanding the 'why' is just as important as the 'what'!

#Martin Luther: The Spark

  • Who: Martin Luther (1483-1546), a German monk and scholar.
  • What: Initially, he aimed for academic debate, not revolution.
  • Key Event: 1517 - Luther posts his 95 Theses on the Wittenberg Church door. *
Key Concept

These theses challenged the sale of indulgences (paying to reduce time in purgatory).

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Common Mistake

Luther didn't intend to break with the Church at this point.

* **Turning Point:** Luther's ideas spread rapidly thanks to the printing press. * **Luther's Beliefs:** Salvation comes through **divine grace** alone, not through good works or indulgences. * **Diet of Worms (1521):** Luther refuses to recant his views. *
Quick Fact

A Diet is an assembly, not a meal!

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Memory Aid

Remember: Luther stood firm at the Diet of Worms like a worm that wouldn't turn!


Martin Luther's 95 Theses


*Image: A visual of the 95 Theses, a pivotal moment in the Reformation.*

#John Calvin: Predestination & the Protestant Work Ethic

  • Who: John Calvin (1509-1564), a French theologian.
  • What: Founded Calvinism, another branch of Protestantism.
  • Key Belief: Predestination - God has a...
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Previous Topic - Contextualizing 16th and 17th-Century Challenges and DevelopmentsNext Topic - Protestant Reform Continues

Question 1 of 12

In what year did Martin Luther famously post his 95 Theses? 🧐

1483

1521

1517

1546