Ap Euro Dbq Essay

Luther’s radical new ideas regarding religion excited the peasants of the German states and his ideas stated in documents such as his 95 theses acted as a catalyst for the revolts that erupted in the lower class between the years 1524 and 1526. Peasants believed the cause of these revolts were the mistreatment they received from their lords and ruling princes. Their acts of revolution were largely based on new radical ideas surrounding religion, and some even saw it as God’s will. A third cause cited by the peasants was a need for their release from serfdom. The nobility believed in differing causes and claimed that the peasants revolted because they were led astray by devilish and unchristian beliefs, and wanted to repress the lords and

Document 2 and 3 both share statements from German peasants at the time that explain their the mistreatment by their lords and their desire to be released from their serfdom which led to their revolts. Both documents are reliable sources due to the fact that they are from a group of peasants that were directly affected. There is bias towards their side of the argument, but it is reasonable evidence for that side of the argument. Document 2 states, “Lords should no longer try to force more services or other dues from peasants with compensation” (2). The lords, as stated by the evidence, were overworking the peasants and rejecting their desire for compensation. The peasants found this unfair and, therefore believed they had rightful cause to revolt. When a group is treated unfairly and has little to no rights, the only viable option is to revolt against their oppressors. In document 3, the author of the source expresses the idea that both serfs and nobility are equal under God, and as good Christians, the lords should free the serfs. Mistreatment of serfs was not just in the eyes of God. Unchristian acts were seen as a viable cause for the peasants to revolt against their masters. These sentiments were inspired by reformation ideals expressed in document 4. In document 4, the perspective shifts to preacher and theologian, Thomas Mützer, whose perspective would definitely be

There was were positive responses from laypeople as well as negative responses, and condemnation from government officials who tried to find a resolution. One significantly interesting response came from Martin Luther, one of the cited sources for the cause of the revolts. The peasants had been inspired by his ideas to revolt, however Luther gave a negative response in document 5. He called the main supporter and leader of the revolts, Thomas Müntzer, a “devil.” and concluded “Anyone who consorts with them goes to the devil with them and is guilty of all the evil deeds that they commit” (5). It is rather strange that Luther was so against the peasant revolts, especially because he was considered radical for the time. Luther had challenged the authority of the Pope and was even ultimately excommunicated, much like the peasants had challenged the authority of the lords. His unusual conservative views towards the revolts did not agree with the views of Thomas Müntzer, who was a religious figure himself. Mützer held a positive response towards the revolts. His purpose was even to encourage the acts of the peasants in document 4. He is quoted as saying “Hammer away on the anvils of the princes and lords, cast down their towers to the ground” (4). This opinion contrasts highly with Luther’s since it seems that Mützer is trying to convince the peasants to commit acts of violence and revolutionize. He even