How important were the German princes in creating the atmosphere within which Lutheranism was successful?
How important were the German princes in creating the atmosphere within which Lutheranism was successful?
The German princes were crucial to the Reformation, creating the atmosphere which made Lutheranism successful between 1521 and 1555, because they carried forward Luther’s ideology making it reality. Their authority over Charles V, the new inexperienced emperor with the military support and influence over voting his seat in power allowed them to support Luther for example at the Diet of Worms in 1521 where Luther was given a hearing rather than excommunication due to the princely support. By 1531 the Schmalkaldic League was set up as a united defence alliance by Protestant princes and delegates of free cities in response to the threat of Charles V to eradicate Lutheranism. Although the league was defeated in 1547 during the battle of Muhlberg, it allowed Lutheranism to be established firmly therefore the Reformation could not be simply ended by brute force.. And in 1555 Lutheranism was recognised as a valid religion by Emperor Charles V due to the Peace of Augsburg which was primarily a princely movement. Although, it can be seen that there were more important factors creating the atmosphere such as Martin Luther, the initial driving force of the Reformation.
The princes were able to respond to Luther’s theologies in order to create a successful atmosphere; we can see this in 1519, as the German Princes saw a national figurehead who they could look to for ideology for the Reformation, where Luther met with famous German theologian John Eck who accused Luther of being a Hussite to which Luther accepted. He denied the authority of the popes, he denied the authority of the general councils and he reiterated his idea of "justification by faith alone." And in December of 1520 Luther burned the Bull of Excommunication issued by Leo X which condemned Luther’s work. Luther began to write to the princes by 1520, in August he wrote the “Address to the Christian
The German princes were crucial to the Reformation, creating the atmosphere which made Lutheranism successful between 1521 and 1555, because they carried forward Luther’s ideology making it reality. Their authority over Charles V, the new inexperienced emperor with the military support and influence over voting his seat in power allowed them to support Luther for example at the Diet of Worms in 1521 where Luther was given a hearing rather than excommunication due to the princely support. By 1531 the Schmalkaldic League was set up as a united defence alliance by Protestant princes and delegates of free cities in response to the threat of Charles V to eradicate Lutheranism. Although the league was defeated in 1547 during the battle of Muhlberg, it allowed Lutheranism to be established firmly therefore the Reformation could not be simply ended by brute force.. And in 1555 Lutheranism was recognised as a valid religion by Emperor Charles V due to the Peace of Augsburg which was primarily a princely movement. Although, it can be seen that there were more important factors creating the atmosphere such as Martin Luther, the initial driving force of the Reformation.
The princes were able to respond to Luther’s theologies in order to create a successful atmosphere; we can see this in 1519, as the German Princes saw a national figurehead who they could look to for ideology for the Reformation, where Luther met with famous German theologian John Eck who accused Luther of being a Hussite to which Luther accepted. He denied the authority of the popes, he denied the authority of the general councils and he reiterated his idea of "justification by faith alone." And in December of 1520 Luther burned the Bull of Excommunication issued by Leo X which condemned Luther’s work. Luther began to write to the princes by 1520, in August he wrote the “Address to the Christian