Test: Reformation in World - UPSC MCQ

• The primary cause of the Reformation was the corruption and abuses within the Roman Catholic Church during the late Middle Ages. Pervasive practices like the sale of indulgences (paying money for forgiveness of sins) and nepotism eroded the credibility of the Church.
• The decline of feudalism and the rise of nation-states were contributing factors but not the primary cause.

Martin Luther, a German theologian and monk, is credited with starting the Protestant Reformation in the early 16th century. He challenged the practices of the Catholic Church and advocated for reforms, sparking widespread religious and social changes.

Martin Luther posted his "95 Theses" on October 31, 1517. These theses criticized the sale of indulgences and triggered the Reformation movement.

The Peace of Augsburg settled the religious conflict in the Holy Roman Empire by allowing each prince to choose the religion (Catholicism or Lutheranism) for his territory. It marked a temporary truce between Catholics and Protestants.

John Calvin, a French theologian and reformer, was a key figure in the development of Calvinism. He believed in the doctrine of predestination, which stated that God had already chosen those who would be saved.

The Council of Trent was convened by the Catholic Church to address the doctrinal challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation. It reaffirmed Catholic teachings and initiated reforms within the Church.

England became predominantly Protestant following the English Reformation during the reign of King Henry VIII, who broke away from the authority of the Pope and established the Church of England.

The Act of Supremacy, passed in 1534, declared King Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England, marking England's separation from the authority of the Pope.

The English Reformation began when King Henry VIII sought an annulment of his marriage from the Pope, which was denied. In response, Henry VIII broke away from the Roman Catholic Church and established the Church of England.

The Thirty Years' War was fought primarily in Central Europe, involving various European powers and leading to significant religious and political changes in the region.