জার্মানির কৃষক সংগ্রাম
The Peasants’ Revolt in Germany
In the 16th century, the influence of Martin Luther’s Reformation movement extended to the German peasantry, leading to a widespread peasant uprising. The chief leader of this revolt was Thomas Müntzer. The primary cause behind the rebellion was feudal exploitation. The peasants’ main grievances were documented in a manifesto known as the "Twelve Articles". These reflected long-standing complaints against feudal lords over the previous hundred years.
Key complaints included:
-
The tithe (a religious tax) imposed by the Church.
-
The seizure of common lands by feudal lords.
-
The loss of traditional rights over forests, rivers, and open fields.
-
The increasing tax burdens placed on peasants.
-
The expansion of forced labor (corvée or unpaid work) demanded from them.
The message of the Bible—emphasizing obedience to divine law and redemption through personal submission to Christ—seemed to resonate with the peasants, who connected these spiritual promises to their own social and economic demands.
The relationship between the German Peasants’ War and Martin Luther is particularly significant. Regarding why the peasants were inspired by Luther’s protest, Friedrich Engels observed that Luther’s firm, peasant-like demeanor initially attracted the sympathy of the poor and oppressed German peasants. Thomas Müntzer, their leader, also fiercely criticized the Catholic Church, much like Luther. However, Müntzer went further by presenting the economic hardships and social injustices faced by miners and peasants as religious concerns. His message was clear: both the Church and feudal lords were oppressing the lower classes.
However, there was a fundamental difference between Müntzer and Luther. Müntzer believed that every person could directly seek and receive God's grace, but not through peace. He insisted it had to be won through bloodshed. In stark contrast stood Luther’s “non-resistance theory,” based on the idea that "God has forbidden insurrection." Consequently, Luther took a firm stand against the rebels, declaring that the revolting peasants had committed a grave sin and deserved capital punishment.
মন্তব্যসমূহ
একটি মন্তব্য পোস্ট করুন