Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

What was a consequence of Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses in the context of European society?

1. They led to widespread reforms within the Catholic Church

2. They sparked a significant increase in political authority among princes

3. They initiated a movement for greater religious toleration

4. They encouraged the development of various Protestant denominations

The correct answer is: They encouraged the development of various Protestant denominations

The consequence of Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses that aligns with the correct answer centers around the profound impact these theses had on the religious landscape of Europe. Luther’s arguments against the sale of indulgences and his call for reform within the Church resonated with many people and inspired a wave of dissent against the Catholic Church. As a direct result, various groups began to splinter off from Catholicism, leading to the formation of different Protestant denominations. These developments were significant in that they not only challenged the authority of the Catholic Church but also laid the groundwork for the Protestant Reformation, which would ultimately lead to a diversification of Christian practices and beliefs across Europe. The movement fostered by Luther's theses became a catalyst for others to explore and express their own interpretations of Christian doctrine, resulting in a rich tapestry of Protestant faiths that varied in theology and practice. While widespread reforms within the Catholic Church did occur, they were often reactions to the Protestant movement rather than direct results of the theses. Similarly, while princes did gain political authority in some instances, this was closely tied to the broader Reformation rather than a specific outcome of the Ninety-Five Theses. Finally, the idea of greater religious toleration was not a primary consequence of Luther