The document discusses the causes of the Protestant Reformation in Germany in the 16th century. It examines factors such as corruption in the Catholic Church hierarchy, the spread of Renaissance and Humanist ideas which encouraged questioning of Church doctrines, and growing German nationalism which disliked Italian influence. Economic hardships and the fragmented political structure of the Holy Roman Empire also weakened the Church's authority. Martin Luther's posting of his 95 Theses in 1517 challenging indulgence sales triggered the Reformation, which spread rapidly with the help of the new printing press technology.
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