feb 15, 1517 - Luther's 95 Theses

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Luther criticized the Catholic Church for its selling of indulgences, calling for reform to end these practices. Additionally, he also protested the simony (selling of church positions) and nepotism (selecting relatives for positions) happening in the church for the benefit of those in the higher positions. Other reformers supported many of these views and brought about change.
Luther, in the 95 Theses, attacked the selling of indulgences, but he also actively promoted the idea of salvation by faith (as opposed to good works or by the blessing of a clergyman, radically different than Catholic views at the time), as well as said that the Bible, rather than any member of the church or church doctrine, was the sole authority in Christianity, completely shaking the idea of Catholic dependency on the church.
Charles V tried to silence Luther in the Diet of Worms, but this resulted in Luther’s increase in popularity due to his passion of speech, and oh yeah, Luther had protection from the guy Charles bribed to gain his position. He also had no choice but to agree to the Peace of Augsburg, allowing religious freedom for Lutherans, after he was sorely beat by the Schmalkaldic League.

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