German Peasant Revolts of 1524-1526

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In late 1524, German peasants believed that they were being mistreated and, therefore, created a revolt against the government. To this, the government responded in violence by killing over 100,000 rebels. These German peasant revolts were mainly caused by economic issues and the widespread belief and misuse of the Lutheran ideology. In response to this revolt, some key figures acted cooperative, while others acted in a violent and non-sympathetic manner. One of the reasons the serfs led an uprise against the government in the early 1520s was a wanting for economic equality. In a letter written from a Count to a Duke, describes the attacks the peasants were planning and executing in which they attacked the houses of the nobility (Doc 11). The peasants started with the most wealthy individuals and stealing possessions from wealthy areas (like consuming all that was available in the monasteries) and then continued to attack other rick noblemen is descending order of wealth. This systematic approach of attacking the wealthy, and the wealthiest first, shows the dislike by the peasants for the economic system at the time. In addition, in an article written by peasants, called Twelve Articles of the Swabian Peasants, the peasants demanded better compensations for the services they provided their lords (Doc 2). They believed that they were being severely underpaid and were suffering conditions almost equal of that to a slave. They believe that they are simply demanding what is, in their opinion, just. On another instance, in 1525, in a letter written to the Archbishop of Wurzburg by an unknown source, the peasants demand a wealth redistribution (Doc 8). Lorenz Fries, the chief advisor to the Archbishop, discusses that the secret lett... ... middle of paper ... ...tin Luther, who castigated the peasants (Doc 7). He saw the revolt as little use and recommended to the peasants that they quit revolting, and instead begin obeying their authoritative leaders. In addition, the Holy Roman Empire’s diet in 1526 gave lords and noblemen the right to restore their estate to the environment from before the revolts. This including restoring their serfs and do with them what they, the rich, wished. This uncooperative and hostile reaction by many to the German peasant revolts from 1524-1526 was a common occurrence and reaction many individuals of the time showed. The serfs were driven by economic and religious motives when they decided to revolt from 1524-1526. To this revolt, many individuals responded in a calm and supportive manner, while others hostilely condemned the peasants and their revolting, while often inflicting harm upon them.

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