The Life of Martin Luther

Birth of Martin Luther

Nov 10, 1483

Martin Luther was born on November 10th, 1483 in Eisleben in the Holy Roman Empire.His parents were Hans Luther and Margarethe nee Lindemann.His father, Hans, was a successful copper smelter and entrepreneur. His mother, Margarethe, worked to keep the family going by teaching and disciplining the kids.Martin was born into a very well respected family.This event is significant because Martin Luther will go on to become the man that sparks the Protestant Reformation.(Martin Luther)

Christopher Columbus's Vovage

Aug 3, 1492

Christopher Columbus embarked on his journey to the New World on August 3, 1492. Columbus and his men departed from Spain on their very first voyage to discover new lands. Christopher and his men reached many places throughout his journey. This event is significant because this caused the discovery of Atlantic trade winds, new places and eventually the Americas. It started the colonization of Americas and brought many people here. (Valerie Flint)

Martin Starts School

1498

Martin Luther attended school at St. Georges Latin School in Eisenach, from 1498-1501. Luther enjoyed school and was very intelligent. His years at school were some of the most happiest years of his life. Luther often calls his school years the time he spent in his "beloved city". This event is significant because it is when Luther learned much of his knowledge, and when he prepared for attending the University of Erfurt where he accomplished many things. (The Lutherhaus)

Pope Julius Elected

Nov 1, 1503

Pope Julius, whose original name was Giuliano della Rovere, was elected in Italy on November 1,1503. He came into power following the death of the Borgia Pope.Julius was a very skilled war leader with smart tactics.He brought his country into many wars with surrounding countries. The significance of this event is that when he was elected, the country gained lots of land because he used wars to accomplish goals. Pope Julius is even nicknamed The Warrior Pope and The Fearless Pope.(Pope Julius II)

Treaty of Lyon

Jan 31, 1504

The Treaty of Lyon was signed on January 31, 1504. France cedes Naples to Aragon. Louis the 12th of France signed Naples over to Ferdinand the 2nd of Aragon. The war that caused this treaty was The Second Italian War. The treaty says France ceded Naples to Spain. It also says that France controlled northern Italy from Milan and Spain controlled Sicily and southern Italy. This event is significant because it defined who controlled what part of the Italian territories. (Treaty Of Lyon)

Martin Becomes a Monk

1505

In July 1505, Martin made a desicion of becoming a monk.He was in a storm where he needed a savior.Luther cried out to St. Ann, the patron saint,“Save me, I’ll become a monk!”Many believe this wasn't an impulsive act,but he had been planning it.Becoming a monk was difficult and disappointed his father, but he kept his promise.Luther was driven by his fears,and felt that life in a church would save him.This event is significant because it was a turning point in Martin's life.(Martin Luther)

Lutherstadt Wittenberg

1508

In 1508, Martin begins his time at Lutherstadt Wittenberg. Wittenberg was a university in Germany, known as the "Birthplace of the Reformation", Martin went through the most important roles of his life here. He was a monk, student, professor, priest to husband, father, author, reformer. This event is significant because this is where Martin began the reformation. The reformation changed the course of everyone's life and is still continuing to effect our lives today. (Luther Country)

Europe & China

1514

In 1514, the first European vessel hit the shores and waters of China. The Chinese used different types of ships than the Europeans. When Europe traveled to China using ships,it influenced both of the countries ship building techniques. It also influenced the navigation and trade routes of both places. China and Europe began exchanging goods which benefited them. This event is significant because it changed the ships, navigation and trade routes of China and Europe. (James Vance)

95 Theses

Oct 31, 1517

On October 31, 1517,Luther nailed The 95 Theses to the door of Wittenberg's Castle Church.Luther objected to the selling of indulgences, so he wrote the The 95 Theses, a list of questions.They were quickly distributed through Germany and then Rome.Luther received lots of negative feedback from people that didn't like his ideas.This event is significant because it became the foundtaion of the Protestant Reformation which changed people lives and is still continuing to do so. (History.com Editors)

Diet of Worms

1521

In 1521,the Diet of Worms took place.Luther was called before an imperial council to determine his fate.This occurred because people felt his actions were offensive.Luther wasn't willing to stand down and he continued acting on his beliefs.They disagreed with him so he had to change his identity to ensure he won't be jailed.He grew a beard and changed his name to Squire George.This is significant because it represents how much hate Martin was getting just for expressing thoughts.(Diet of Worms)

First Protestant Mass

Dec 25, 1525

Martin Luther held the first Protestant mass, on December 25, 1525. The mass was held in German because Luther felt more people would understand it. This event is significant because it plays a part in the Protestant Reformation because it is the first time Protestants are gathered together for a mass. (Luther Country)

The Large Catechism

1529

The large catechism was published and written by Martin Luther in 1529. It is a book consisting of Martin's great works and theories. This book was addressed particularly to clergyman to aid them with their masses but many people learned from it too. This event is significant because this book impacted the life of people during the reformation. This book is still bought and read by many today. (Hillerbrand 67)

Portugese colonize Brazil

1530

In April of 1530, the Portuguese began to colonize Brazil. They landed on the shores of Brazil and made peace offerings for the indigenous people. Although the Portuguese sailors stayed for only nine days, the people soon became amazed by the iron tools, the Catholic mass and the alcoholic beverages. Because of their interest in the Roman Catholic religion, the Portuguese assumed that they would quickly convert to Christianity. This is significant because the Portuguese gained power. (Brazil)

Founding of Buenos Aires

Aug 24, 1535

Pedro de Mendoza founded Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, on August 24,1535. Pedro went on an expedition with about 2,000 men to discover new lands. They arrived at Rio de la Plata and began exploring. Pedro founded Buenos Aires about 6 months later with the help of the Indians. This event is significant because Buenos Aires is now the capital of Argentina and many people live there. (Grun 237)

Articles of Faith

1537

In 1537, Luther presents the Articles of Faith to Schmalkalden. The Articles of Faith are a summary of the Lutheran Doctrine. Martin Luther visited Schmalkalden many times in his life, it was a quaint little town. Most importantly, Luther came here to lead a special meeting of the Schmalkaldic League which resulted in changes. In this meeting Luther presents his Articles of Faith.This event is significant because those documents are still relevant to present day church practices.(Luther Country)

Death of Martin Luther

Feb 18, 1546

On February 2, 1546 Martin Luther sadly passed away. Luther died in Lutherstadt Eisleben. His coffin is carried to Lutherstadt Wittenberg, where he is buried at the Castle Church. As recorded on his tombstone, he lived for "63 years, 2 months, and 10 days." This event is significant because someone who changed the course of religion and brought many ideas to the world died. (Mills 15)