Where was Lutheranism most successful in the 16th century?

Lutheranism found its greatest success in Prussia and present-day Germany during the 16th century due to a variety of factors. Martin Luther, the founder of Lutheranism, was German, and his ideas resonated strongly within the Holy Roman Empire, particularly in northern regions like Saxony and Brandenburg. The movement gained significant traction as many German princes and city leaders embraced Luther’s teachings, seeing them as a means to assert their autonomy from both the Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Emperor.

Additionally, the political landscape of the time favored the spread of Lutheranism. Many German states adopted Lutheranism officially, which helped to establish it as a dominant religious force in the region. The development of the printing press also facilitated the widespread dissemination of Luther's writings, allowing for a rapid and far-reaching influence of Lutheran ideas. The social and economic contexts of the time, including a desire for reform within the Church and growing resentment against ecclesiastical corruption, bolstered the appeal of Lutheranism as a more personal and direct approach to Christianity.

Popularity in other regions such as Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal was limited due to strong Catholic identities and resistance from the established Church, while Lutheranism did make some inroads in Scandinavia, particularly Sweden