1. Which of the following best explains why Protestantism spread quickly in the 16th century? A. The Peace of Westphalia allowed for the free practice of Protestantism. B. The invention of the printing press facilitated the dissemination of ideas. C. Protestant rulers banned the Catholic Church in their territories. D. Martin Luther used military force to enforce his reforms.

The correct answer is B. The invention of the printing press facilitated the dissemination of ideas.<br /><br />The invention of the printing press in the 15th century played a significant role in the rapid spread of Protestantism in the 16th century. The printing press allowed for the mass production and distribution of written materials, including Martin Luther's 95 Theses and other Protestant writings. This made it easier for Protestant ideas to be widely disseminated and accessed by a large audience, contributing to the rapid growth and spread of Protestantism during this period.