RELIGIOUS revolution that took place in the Western church in the 16th century. Its greatest leaders undoubtedly were Martin Luther and John Calvin.Having far-reaching political, economic, and social effects, the Reformation became the basis for the founding of Protestantism, one of the three major branches of Christianity.The Renaissance movement was a cultural movement that began in Italy in the 14th century and spread to the rest of Europe during the 15TH and 16th centuries.The Renaissance was a fervent PERIOD of European cultural, artistic, political, and economic “rebirth” following the Middle Ages.Generally described as taking place from the 14th century to the 17TH century, the Renaissance promoted the rediscovery of classical philosophy, literature, and art.Renaissance is known as an Intellectual Movement because it BROUGHT new developments in the fields of literature, religion, philosophy, politics, art, and science.The Counter-Reformation also called the Catholic Reformation or the Catholic Revival was the period of Catholic resurgence that was initiated in response to the Protestant Reformation.It began with the Council of Trent and largely ended with the conclusion of the European wars of religion in 1648.