DIE ZWÖLF ARTIKEL

The German Peasants’ War (1524-25) still remains one of the most significant uprisings in early modern European history. It occurred within the Holy Roman Empire and was the result of high taxes, feudal oppression, and poor living conditions.

Toby Thornton

The peasants listed their demands to the Swabian League in a pamphlet called Die Zwölf Artikel or The Twelve Articles. This set out a dozen moderate demands to reduce the tax burden on the peasantry, ease the restrictions on woodland for hunting and gathering wood, and put an end to serfdom, but the nobles rejected the articles and instead chose to put down the revolt with force. The peasants’ pleas were also rebuffed by the emerging Protestant Reformation movement; while Martin Luther himself had sympathy for their cause, he chose to support the establishment. Luther stated in a letter: “They set up twelve articles, some are which are so just that they bring shame to you before God and world. But almost all of them are in their favour and…

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Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy (Digital) - 1 Issue, WSS 134

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