Final answer:
The central ideas of the Protestant Reformation spread through influential reformers, the use of the printing press, and political events like Henry VIII's rejection of the pope's authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central ideas of the Protestant Reformation spread through several factors. One factor was the influence of key reformers like Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, and Martin Luther, who gained followers and spread their teachings to different parts of Europe. Another factor was the use of the printing press, which allowed for the mass production and wide availability of religious texts and visual media, making it easier for people to access and understand Protestant ideas. Additionally, political events such as Henry VIII's rejection of the pope's authority in England and the religious wars that erupted throughout Europe also contributed to the spread of Protestantism.