The Reformation and Counter-Reformation in Europe

In the 16th century, Europe was lowkey vibing with discontent towards the Catholic Church's lavishness and corruption. The skibidi moment hit hard with the sale of indulgences, stirring a goon-level outrage. Enter Martin Luther, the sigma monk who dropped his 95 theses on October 31, 1517, at Wittenberg, calling out the church's shady practices. His teachings spread dankly via the printing press, establishing the Lutheran Church. Meanwhile, Zwingli and Calvin were out there reforming Switzerland and Geneva, respectively. The Catholic Church countered with the Council of Trent and the Jesuits, reshaping Europe's religious map into a divided continent of Protestants and Catholics, edging towards conflict.