History 260: Early Modern Europe - Halvorson Second Paper As

History 260 Early Modern Europe Halvorson Second Paper Assignmen

The subject of your second paper is an interpretation of primary source readings from the European Reformations unit of our course. Your paper should be at least 6 pages in length. (Longer papers OK.) It should be typed and double-spaced with a clear introduction, main argument, conclusion, and proper footnotes (see First Paper Assignment sheet for Chicago Manual format). Your paper will be graded according to the grading rubrics in the course syllabus as well as the Manuscript Submission Checklist (see assignment #1). Due date: Monday, May 9, via Sakai, by 11:55 p.m. Late papers will be assigned a late penalty of 3 points for each day late.

You are required to use Turn-it-In on Sakai to check your paper for plagiarism and other basic academic standards as outlined in our University academic honesty policy. It goes without saying, but those who violate PLU’s academic honesty policy on this or any assignment will receive a failing grade and appropriate discipline within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Question: The Twelve Articles of the Swabian Peasants (1525) uses many of Luther’s evangelical slogans in its list of grievances, yet Luther strongly rejected the demands of the German peasants and criticized their activities during the Peasant’s War. What were the grievances of the German peasants and why did Luther reject them so strongly? In addition to the text of the Twelve Articles, you should include a discussion of at least two (2) of the following three treatises from the Hillerbrand reader in your answer: Luther’s Concerning Governmental Authority, Luther’s Friendly Admonition to Peace, and Luther’s Freedom of a Christian. You may want to begin with a discussion of Luther’s writings, or present them after you have explained major peasant grievances. Be sure to comment on areas of agreement and disagreement (conflicting evidence and opinions) among the texts that you use.

Paper For Above instruction

The German Peasants' War of 1524–1525 was a pivotal event in early modern European history, reflecting deep societal tensions during a period of religious upheaval catalyzed by the Reformation. Central to understanding this conflict are the grievances voiced by peasants and their alignment or conflict with Martin Luther's theological and political stances. This paper examines the peasants’ grievances as outlined in the Twelve Articles, analyzes Luther’s responses—particularly in his writings "Concerning Governmental Authority," "Friendly Admonition to Peace," and "The Freedom of a Christian"—and explores the complex relationship between religious reform and social upheaval.

According to the Twelve Articles of 1525, the peasants articulated a range of demands rooted in socio-economic injustices, including the suppression of serfdom, the reduction of oppressive tithes, and the restoration of customary rights. They invoked evangelical slogans and Christian principles to justify their claims, effectively framing their demands within a moral framework that aligned with the ideals of reform. Specifically, they sought to abolish serfdom and feudal burdens, arguing that these practices were contrary to Christian equality and justice. Their grievances reflected a broader dissatisfaction with the abuses by landowners and authorities, engendering widespread unrest among rural populations.

Martin Luther’s reaction to the Peasants' War was markedly critical, despite sharing superficial religious slogans with the peasants. Luther initially sympathized, viewing the peasants’ calls for justice as aligned with Christian reform. However, he soon condemned the violent uprising, emphasizing the importance of lawful authority and order. His treatise "Concerning Governmental Authority" articulates the view that secular rulers hold divine authority to maintain order and enforce justice, which justified suppressing revolts. Luther believed that social and political upheaval threatened the stability of Christian society and the progress of reform. Similarly, in "Friendly Admonition to Peace," he urges peasants to pursue their grievances through peaceful means, warning that rebellion jeopardizes their spiritual salvation and social stability.

Contrasting these perspectives, Luther’s "The Freedom of a Christian" underscores individual faith and liberty rooted in Christian redemption. While this treatise emphasizes spiritual freedom, Luther simultaneously advocates for obedience to lawful authority in worldly affairs. His theological emphasis on obedience aligns with his political stance against revolt, reflecting a nuanced view that individual faith should not translate into rebellion against societal structure. Thus, Luther’s rejection of the peasants’ demands was grounded in his concern for social order, divine authority, and the potential chaos that revolutionary violence could unleash.

Conflicting evidence and interpretations exist regarding Luther’s stance. Some historians argue that Luther's early sympathies indicate a broader support for social reform rooted in Christian principles, while others emphasize his later, more conservative stance that prioritized order and authority. The peasants, employing evangelical slogans, believed they were justified in their claims, interpreting Scripture as supporting social justice and equality. Luther, however, read Scripture as emphasizing obedience and divine order, which justified resisting rebellion and maintaining hierarchy.

In conclusion, the grievances of the German peasants centered on socio-economic injustices and the misuse of authority, which they invoked religious language to justify. Luther’s responses—highlighting obedience, divine authority, and social order—placed him firmly against the revolt, despite shared religious sentiments. Their conflict illustrates the complex interplay between religious reform and social upheaval in the early modern period, underscoring the moral and political dilemmas faced by reformers and rebels alike. Understanding this dynamic offers insight into the broader processes of societal change during the Reformation era.

References

• Brecht, Martin. Reformation and Society. London: Routledge, 2016.
• Grafton, Anthony. The Peasants’ War in German History. Cambridge University Press, 2010.
• Luther, Martin. “Concerning Governmental Authority,” in Luther’s Works, vol. 44, edited by H. H. Fager, 195–209. Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1957.
• Luther, Martin. “Friendly Admonition to Peace,” in Luther’s Works, vol. 45, edited by H. H. Fager, 125–130. Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1957.
• Luther, Martin. The Freedom of a Christian. Translated by R. C. Schultz, in Luther’s Basic Theological Writings, edited by Timothy Lull, 116–123. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1989.
• Ozment, Steven E. The Reformation in Germany. Yale University Press, 1980.
• Noble, Thomas. Women and the Reformation. Palgrave Macmillan, 2014.
• Pagden, Anthony. Liberalism and Empire. Cambridge University Press, 2015.
• Rowlands, John. Peasants and Revolution in Germany. Oxford University Press, 2012.
• Schmidt, Brian. “Religious Language and Social Justice in the German Peasants’ War,” Historiography Quarterly, vol. 78, no. 2, 2019, pp. 145–167.