Title: What was the impact of the German Peasant War (1524-1527) on the Reformation? - DailyHistory.org
Headings: What was the impact of the German Peasant War (1524-1527) on the Reformation?
What was the impact of the German Peasant War (1524-1527) on the Reformation?
The Peasant Wars Origins
The Peasant War
Martin Luther and the Peasants War
Prince’s Reformation
Popular Reformation
Conclusion
References

Content: Luther promoted this somewhat reactionary approach, at least in part because of the Peasants War. Many of the rebels had been inspired by Luther and had hoped that he would join them and even lead them. Luther’s ideas had definitely been interpreted by some rebels and Protestant Pastors such as Muntzer as validating radical change in society. Many Catholics in Germany used the Peasant War to attack the reformers, and the war caused something of a crisis in the Reformation. Luther and his supporters were fearful that their movement could become tainted by association with the Peasants Revolt. Luther and others sought to distance themselves from the War and supported the nobility and the Swabian League unequivocally. This was no doubt done out of expediency as Luther knew that his reform movement could only survive with the elite's support. He could not be seen to be siding with the peasants, or he would risk losing the support of the nobility, including the Saxon Dukes, his own protectors. Luther was also genuinely appalled by the behavior of the peasants. He was particular appalled by the massacre at the castle of Weinsberg when peasant rebels had massacred some nobles and the garrison of a castle.