The term refers to a major movement within Western Christianity in the 16th century. It presented a religious challenge to the Catholic Church and resulted in the division of European Christianity into Catholic and Protestant factions. Key figures such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and others challenged papal authority and questioned established doctrines relating to salvation, the role of the clergy, and the interpretation of the Bible.
This period of religious upheaval significantly impacted European politics, society, and culture. It led to religious wars, the rise of new nation-states, and shifts in power dynamics. The emphasis on individual interpretation of scripture fostered literacy and contributed to the development of new forms of religious expression and social organization. Furthermore, the event is a crucial element in understanding the development of modern Western civilization.