Final answer:
The posting of the 95 Theses and the actions of Luther caused a significant change in Western Europe by initiating the Protestant Reformation and challenging the authority of the Catholic Church. The available of the printing press and translated versions of the Bible played a crucial role in spreading Luther's ideas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The posting of the 95 Theses by Martin Luther and his subsequent actions caused a significant change in Western Europe. It initiated the Protestant Reformation, challenging the authority of the Catholic Church. Luther's ideas spread rapidly and led to the formation of various Protestant denominations, which challenged the Catholic Church's monopoly over religious beliefs and practices. One of the key factors that contributed to the impact of Luther's actions was the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg.
This allowed for the mass production and dissemination of Luther's writings and ideas, enabling them to reach a wider audience. The availability of translated versions of the Bible in local languages also played a crucial role in enabling people to interpret religious texts for themselves. The Protestant Reformation had profound effects on European society and politics. It sparked religious conflicts, such as the Wars of Religion, and led to the fragmentation of Western Christianity into different branches. The Reformation also challenged the authority of traditional hierarchies and played a role in shaping the development of democratic ideals and individual freedoms in Europe.