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1517
Martin Luther posts the 95 Theses
It propounded two central beliefs-the bible is the central religious authority and that humans may reach salvation only by their faith and not by their deeds. They changed the course of religious and cultural history in the West. -
1521
Diet of Worms
It was an imperial council that was convened to decide the fate of Martin Luther. It declared the edict of worms which made Luther an outlaw and forbid anyone from helping him escape punishment. -
1522
Luther publishes the New Testament in German
He translated the bible only in 11 weeks. It was a typographical masterpiece, containing woodcuts from Lucas Cranach's workshop and selections from Albrecht Durer's famous Apocalypse series. -
1525
Tyndale publishes the New Testament in English
It was the first English translation to work directly from Hebrew and Greek texts. Before he was able to complete the book he was turned into the authorities and was forced to leave Worms. -
1525
Henry VIII receives an annulment from Catherine of Aragon
One reason was because Catherine was past child bearing age. He needed a son since all of his died and he only had a daughter. Another reason is Henry's relationship with a girl named Anne. -
1534
Ignatius of Loyola creates the Jesuits
The Jesuit order played an important role in the Counter- Reformation. People took vows of poverty and chastity and made plans to work for the conversion of Muslims. The society of Jesus grew quickly because of Ignatius leadership. -
1534
Act of Supremacy
It recognized Henry VIII as the supreme head of the church of England. It required an oath of loyalty from English subjects that recognized his marriage to Anne. It was repealed in 1555 by Mary I, but in 1559 Parliament adopted a new Act of Supremacy during the reign of Elizabeth I. -
1536
Henry VIII disbands monasteries and convents
It is called the dissolution of the monasteries. He appropriated their income, disposed of their assets, provided for their former personnel and functions. -
1545
Council of Trent
It issued condemnations of what it defined to be heresies committed by protestantism. It also issued key statements and clarifications of the Church's doctrine and teachings. -
1555
Peace of Augsburg
It was a peace treaty that sought to end the religious struggle in the German lands and the Holy Roman Empire in the mid-sixteenth century. It was signed by Charles V and the Holy Roman Emperor. -
Edict of Nantes
It put a temporary end to the ferocious religious wars between Roman Catholics and Protestants which had torn France apart since the 1560s. It was signed by Henry IV.