The Reformation movement led to significant societal changes across Europe, transforming religious and cultural landscapes. Initiated by figures like Martin Luther in the early 16th century, the movement challenged the practices and authority of the Catholic Church, emphasizing personal faith and scripture over clerical interpretation. This shift resulted in the establishment of various Protestant denominations, fostering religious diversity and often sparking conflicts like the Thirty Years' War. Socially, the Reformation encouraged literacy and education as individuals sought to read the Bible, while also promoting ideas of individual conscience and skepticism toward authority, significantly affecting modern Western thought and society.