The legacy of the Reformation in Europe was profound, fostering significant changes in religion, politics, and society. Initiated by figures like Martin Luther in the early 16th century, the movement challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and led to the rise of Protestantism. The Reformation encouraged individual interpretation of the Bible, diminished the power of clerical hierarchy, and spurred the development of various new religious denominations. Politically, it contributed to the rise of nation-states and conflicts like the Thirty Years' War. The Reformation's influence extended into modern secularism and shaped contemporary views on religion and governance.