Final answer:
The Reformation in Europe was a period of religious reform associated with Martin Luther, John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, Henry VIII, and John of Leyden. The Reformers criticized the practices of the Catholic Church and introduced new religious doctrines. The Reformation led to religious wars and had significant political and social impacts on Europe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Reformation in Europe was a period of religious reform that was associated with various reformers, including Martin Luther, John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, Henry VIII, and John of Leyden. Martin Luther, a German monk, is considered the initiator of the Protestant Reformation. He criticized the practices of the Catholic Church, such as the sale of indulgences, and believed in the importance of personal faith and the authority of scripture. John Calvin, a follower of Luther, developed a form of Protestantism known as Calvinism, which spread to various countries. Ulrich Zwingli, another reformer, brought about significant changes in Switzerland, rejecting Catholic doctrines and advocating for the removal of religious imagery from churches. Henry VIII of England broke away from the Catholic Church, establishing the Church of England, after the pope denied his request for an annulment. John of Leyden, a radical Anabaptist leader, led a rebellion in Munster, Germany, establishing a theocratic state.
The Reformation had significant effects on Europe. It led to religious wars, such as the Thirty Years' War, and divided Europe into Catholic and Protestant territories. The Council of Trent, convened by the Catholic Church, responded to the Reformation by reaffirming certain aspects of Catholic doctrine and implementing reforms. The Reformation also influenced political and social changes, as the authority of the Catholic Church was challenged, giving rise to new religious and political institutions.