When we talk about the Reformation two different pictures appeared before us. First one is that of Counterreformation Movement which, under the influence of renaissance, targeted internal reforms within Roman Catholic Church system.

The second one trend was a revolt against Universal Church System. That is known as Protestant Movement. It was first organised by a German priest Martin Luther. In 1517, he stuck 95 theses to the wall of the church of Wittenberg. He demanded a reply from the Pope. It symbolised an open revolt against Roman Catholic Church system.

Whenever we compare renaissance with reformation, we find that renaissance remained to be an intellect movement with elite base but the protestant movement was having a popular character.

Very soon it spread as a forest fire. In Germany itself another reformer Calvin became active while Zwingli carried the movement in Switzerland.

The factors which inspired the movement

If we explore the causes of the protestant movement, we find that a religious cause was definitely there. But we should be aware of the fact that religious cause was not a major factor behind that. It was particularly due to the fact that reforms had already started within the Roman Catholic Church system under the influence of Counter Reformation.

Hence, it was the contemporary economic and political factor which made protestant movement inevitable.

1. Corrupt religious practices

Religious corruption was a big scar on the face of the Roman Catholic Church system and its climax being the sale of indulgences (in return of money priest were giving guarantee of heaven in life after death).

2. The interest of the mercantile class

As for the economic factor, we can say that this period was marked by extending trade and Commerce. Usury and profit making were the backbone of trade while the Roman Catholic Church denounced them. On the other hand, Protestants tried to legitimise usury and profit-making.

In this way it gave ideological support to rising capitalism in Europe. German sociologist, Max Weber, in his famous text ‘Protestant ethics and spirit of capitalism’ projected Protestantism as a major factor behind the rise of capitalism. So, Protestantism got the support of the mercantile class.

3. Political ambition of European Monarchs

As for the political factor, we can say this period was marked by the rise of nationalist consciousness. Gradually different regions, cemented through linguistic and cultural uniformity and under the leadership of ambitious monarchs, were being crystallized into a nation but Universal Church system was antithetical to nationalist aspiration. That’s why even some ambitious monarchs encouraged the protestant Movement in order to consolidate their own position.

So, in conclusion we can say that economic and political factors played a more decisive role in the protestant movement.

Impact of protestant Reinformation

Rise of nation-state: It paved the way for the rise of the nation-state by creating a rupture in the Universal Church System.

Rise of capitalism: It gave a major boost to capitalism by providing legitimacy to money lending and profit making.

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