Title: Martin Luther and Peasants Revolt in Germany in 1524-1525 Example | Graduateway
Headings: Martin Luther and Peasants Revolt in Germany in 1524-1525
Martin Luther and Peasants Revolt in Germany in 1524-1525
Prof. Shack
English, History, Political Science, Philosophy, Psychology, Literature
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Content: Therefore, Luther’s choice is logical and was aimed to secure the survival of Protestantism and Luther itself. Seeing that the rebellion cannot be liquidated by calls for peace Luther decided to actively contribute to its forcible suppression. In May 1525, he wrote his famous tractate Against the Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants. Its original name was Against the Rioting Peasants, yet it was harshened by publishers with Luther’s assent. In this work Luther first accused the rebels of “three terrible sins against God and man”, stating that “they are starting a rebellion, and are violently robbing and plundering monasteries and castles which are not theirs…thus they become the worst blasphemers of God and slanderers of his holy name”. Further he called upon the nobles to “smite, slay, and stab, secretly or openly, remembering that nothing can be more poisonous, hurtful, or devilish than a rebel” [8]. Upon reading or hearing this, many of the peasants felt betrayed and laid down their weapons. After the defeat in the Battle of Frankenhausen on May 25, 1525, the rebellion was almost over. Up to 100 000 peasants were killed or executed [9], however, Protestantism survived and further flourished in the shade of secular powers. Attitude of other Coevals and Criticism of Luther’s Position
The Peasant’s War in Germany was an event that could not leave the major thinkers of the time untouched, yet their attitudes were different dependent on their previous ideological line.