Final answer:
The Protestant Reformation was a religious movement in Western Europe during the 16th century that resulted in the divide between Roman Catholics and Protestants. It began with Martin Luther's criticism of the practices of the Catholic Church. This led to the establishment of different types of Protestant churches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Protestant Reformation was a religious movement that occurred in Western Europe during the 16th century. It resulted in the theological divide between Roman Catholics and Protestants. The Reformation began in 1517 when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door, criticizing several practices of the Catholic Church. It led to the establishment of various types of Protestant churches, such as Baptist, which is currently the largest denomination in the United States.
Thus, the Protestant Reformation, led by figures like Martin Luther, featured key elements such as the rejection of Catholic Church practices like indulgences, emphasis on sola scriptura (scripture alone), and the belief in salvation by faith alone (sola fide). It led to the formation of Protestant denominations, challenging the authority and doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century.