What event marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation?

The event that marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation is famously recognized as Martin Luther nailing the ninety-five theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1517. This act is significant because it publicly challenged the practices of the Catholic Church, particularly the sale of indulgences, which Luther saw as corrupt and contrary to the teachings of the Bible. By articulating his grievances and calling for a reform of the Church, Luther ignited a movement that would lead to the formation of various Protestant denominations and significantly alter the religious landscape of Europe.

The other events listed, while important in the context of religious history, do not represent the start of the Reformation. The Edict of Nantes, for example, granted religious tolerance to Protestants in France but occurred later, in 1598. The Council of Trent was an essential part of the Catholic Church's response to the Reformation, convened in the mid-16th century to address issues of doctrine and reform. Elizabeth I's reign, while significant for the establishment of Protestantism in England, happened after the Reformation had already begun. Therefore, Luther's actions directly catalyzed the movement, making them pivotal to the history of the Reformation.