Martin Luther posts his 95 theses criticizing the Catholic Church's sale of indulgences in 1517, sparking the Protestant Reformation. The theses argue that salvation comes through faith alone, not works or Church authority, and criticize the Church's financial exploitation of indulgences. Luther's ideas spread rapidly through the printing press, gaining popularity. The Church excommunicates Luther but he finds protection from German princes seeking independence from Rome. Luther translates the Bible to German, allowing common people to read it. The Reformation gains political support and spreads to England when King Henry VIII breaks with Rome to annul his marriage and seize Church lands.