The Reformation! (1517-1555)
History of the Germans 3 episodes Aug 31, 2026
This podcast series explores the Reformation between 1517 and 1555, a period that fundamentally transformed Europe. It examines whether Martin Luther's 95 Theses alone triggered the split, or if broader circumstances and actions were responsible. The show delves into the events, people, and ideas that brought about this pivotal change in history. It is part of the History of the Germans podcast.
Episodes
Season 12: The Reformation! (Trailer)
When it comes to events from German history that left a mark on the world, most minds turn towards the 19th and 20th century. But there is at least one, arguably two periods that can claim to have had equally lasting impact. One is the Investiture Controversy that we discussed in Season 2, and the other is what we will learn about now, the Reformation!
Ep. 1: The Faith of the Common People
On 31 October 1517, an Augustinian monk carried 95 theses through the streets of Wittenberg — whether to nail them to the castle church door, post them by letter, or send them to the printers remains disputed. Within two months they had spread across the Empire and beyond and the world was never the same again...In this first episode of the new season we look at the world Martin Luther gr
Ep. 2: Martin Luther's Youth and his "Anfechtungen"
When Martin Luther joined the Augustinian Order in 1505, he embarked on a 15 year long spiritual journey that changed the World....In this episode we will look at the first 35 years of Martin Luther’s life, from his birth in 1483 to a moment sometime between 1512 and 1519 when he achieved his great theological breakthrough. This is a crucial period in the history of the Reformation, a ti
Ep.: 3 The 95 Theses - Cockup or Conspiracy?
What if the most famous story of the Reformation has some massive holes? Was Tetzel really a snake oil salesman? Was Albrecht of Brandenburg and the Fuggers really after the indulgence contracts? Were the Germans been ripped off by the papacy more than anyone else? Who could believe that there is still room for new perspectives on this event?
Ep.: 4 A Drunken German Lights a Fire
n spring 1518 Martin Luther assured Pope Leo X that he was a dutiful son of the Church. But was he still one? The 95 Theses were the perfect opening salvo: provocative, popular and, crucially, not obviously heretical. Archbishop Albrecht’s own theologians in Mainz refused to condemn them and passed the problem on to Rome. Then Luther did something new: he wrote the Sermon on Indulgences
Ep. 5: Fame, Friends, Foes and a Fat Marmot
In August 1518, Pope Leo X wrote to Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony, and demanded that he hand over “a son of iniquity”, Brother Martin Luther. A few weeks later Luther was on the road to Augsburg to face Cardinal Cajetan. It was arguably the most dangerous moment of his life, more dangerous even than Worms.This episode follows how Luther got there and how close he came to the stake
