Diet of Worms
Definition
The Diet of Worms was an imperial council (diet) that took place at Worms, Germany in 1521. It's most famous for addressing Martin Luther and his Protestant Reformation teachings against Catholic Church doctrines.
Analogy
Imagine you're at a school assembly where one student stands up against certain school rules they believe are unfair. This student has gained quite a following among other students who also disagree with these rules. The principal calls this student forward during an assembly (like Martin Luther was called to Worms) to address their complaints publicly.
Related terms
Martin Luther: A German professor who became one of Western history's most significant figures by challenging church practices and doctrines, sparking the Protestant Reformation.
95 Theses: The document Martin Luther reportedly nailed to the door of a church in Wittenberg, Germany, outlining his grievances with the Catholic Church.
Protestant Reformation: A major 16th-century movement aimed at reforming some practices of the Roman Catholic Church which resulted in establishing Protestant churches.
"Diet of Worms" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (2)
- Who was the Holy Roman Emperor during the Diet of Worms and the Schmalkaldic Wars?
- How might history differ if Charles V failed in suppressing German princes during the Diet of Worms?
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