The cause of the Protestant Reformation began with the introduction of the Italian Renaissance, its reintroduced ideas, and its papacy. This reformation was primarily driven by religious discontent, but economic and political factors also played significant roles. While criticisms over the Catholic Church’s abuses, such as the selling of indulgences and corruption among the clergy, were crucial catalysts, the spread of ideas and knowledge, and political tensions and the rise of nationalism were equally as important in shaping the trajectory of the Protestant Reformation. Widespread corruption, particularly the sale of indulgences (where people paid money to reduce punishment for their sins), angered many, including reformers like Martin Luther. …show more content…
The only thing that came from this council was further alienation of the people from the church, as they had extremely strict policies and were corrupt themselves. The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenburg in the mid 15th century allowed for an increase in literacy and the rapid spread of ideas, including those of reformers like Martin Luther. Humanist thinking, which emphasized a return to original text and questioned the Church’s authority, encouraged a spirit of inquiry and reform. As seen in Document 4, the amount of books printed, rather than manuscripts written, spiked after the 15th century. The time to produce writings shortened greatly, and these works became much more easily accessible. This cause was particularly significant in northern Europe, where humanist scholars were strong advocates for reform. It also helped Luther’s ideas reach a broader audience, creating a larger movement than previous reform efforts, such as those of John Wycliffe, which was more local. For those who had trouble with reading, there were also the creation of wood carvings, showcasing pictures that represent a story or an