The Renaissance led to lasting change because of the printing press, which promoted reading and education, secular ideas, not church based ideas, individualism, focusing on ourselves, and humanism, focusing on the positive side of humans.
The reformation led to change because during that era (30 years war) it was the last of RELIGIOUS wars in Europe. As well, new Protestant religions that were Catholic became accepted and changed society because eventually society in Europe became able to choose what religion they wanted to practice. Also the reformation led to the downfall of the Pope+Catholic church being on the top control of society.