Title: The Reformation's Impact on Germany: The Peasant Wars - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com
Headings: The Reformation's Impact on Germany: The Peasant Wars
The Reformation's Impact on Germany: The Peasant Wars
Lesson Transcript
The Protestant Reformation
Luther Ignites a Revolt
The Peasant Wars
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The Reformation's Impact on Germany: The Peasant Wars
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Content: Luther admired the peasants for their ceaseless work in a harsh economy. He offered strict criticism to nobles for the unjust way they treated their workers. The peasant uprisings were condemned by Luther, however, who was against the violent acts of the peasants. Peasants claimed they had biblical authority to demand economic reform, but Luther also disagreed with this claim. He became so disgusted with the violence of the uprising he encouraged German princes to defeat the peasants to protect their authority. The peasants felt betrayed by Luther, and many abandoned the efforts of the Reformation altogether and returned to Catholicism. Charles V signed the Peace of Augsburg treaty in 1555

While Luther withdrew his support of the peasant uprising, the peasants did find support in a well-known Protestant minister named Thomas Müntzer. Müntzer was very supportive of the rights of the peasants and travelled across German provinces to encourage the rebels. Luther, accordingly, also made it known he disagreed with Müntzer's ideals. The Peace of Augsburg
While the peasants in Germany were revolting, Charles V's empire was facing much unrest.