German Culture

All about Germany

  • Home
  • Learn German
  • Articles
    • Famous Germans
    • German Holidays
    • German Cuisine
    • How To In Germany
    • Daily Life
    • German Facts
    • German Traditions
  • Facts About Germany
  • German History
  • German Recipes
    • German Baking Recipes
    • German Christmas Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Easter Recipes
    • Halloween Recipes
    • Main Dishes
    • Salads
    • Sauerkraut Recipes
  • Travel to Germany
  • Contact

The Protestant Reformation

Kaiser_Maximilian_IOn the eve of the Protestant Reformation, the institutions of the Holy Roman Empire were widely thought to be in need of improvement. The Habsburg emperors Frederick III (r. 1440-93) and his son Maximilian I (r. 1493-1519) both cooperated with individual local rulers to enact changes. However, the imperial and local parties had different aims, the former wishing to strengthen the empire, the latter aiming to secure greater independence by formalizing their rights and ensuring regular procedures for the conduct of public business. In 1489 the procedures of the imperial diet, the Reichstag, in which representatives of all states within the empire met, were reorganized. One of the reforms allowed participation in the diet by representatives of the towns. In 1495 Maximilian declared an empirewide peace and made arrangements to reduce the lawlessness and violence that often marked relations among local rulers.

Maximilian’s reforms were not enough to cure the ills of the empire, and relations between it and the princes and ecclesiastical states often were tense. Disputes frequently involved complicated constellations of powers with occasional interference from abroad, most notably France. Charles V (r. 1519-56) was elected emperor in 1519 only after he paid large bribes to the seven electors and agreed to many restrictions on his powers, restrictions he often later ignored.

Emperor_charles_vA changing economy also made for discontent among those unable to profit from new conditions. Some of the empire’s inhabitants had become quite rich, most notably the Fugger family of Augsburg, whose members had replaced the bankers of northern Italy as Europe’s leading financiers. The Fuggers had come to manage the financial affairs of the Habsburg Dynasty, which, in combination with increased trade between south and north, made Germany Europe’s financial center for a few decades. However, other groups in Germany were experiencing hardship. A burgeoning rural population found it difficult to get enough to eat, and many peasants went to the towns to seek a living. Municipal officials responded by seeking to bar rural newcomers. Within towns that were not prospering, relations between the classes became more tense as social mobility was reduced by a declining economy.




Related articles:
Martin Luther
Resistance to Lutheranism
The Peace of Augsburg

You might also like:

  • The Holy Roman Empire: An Epoch of European History
    The Holy Roman Empire: An Epoch of European History
  • German History: From the Holy Roman Empire to the Modern Era
    German History: From the Holy Roman Empire to the Modern Era
  • Unraveling the Mystery: The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest
    Unraveling the Mystery: The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest
  • 20 Things to Do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber: A Step Back in Time
    20 Things to Do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber: A Step Back in…
  • Discover Timeless Wonders: The Imperial City Museum in Rothenburg
    Discover Timeless Wonders: The Imperial City Museum in…
  • Fascinating World of Medieval Justice at the Medieval Crime Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
    Fascinating World of Medieval Justice at the Medieval Crime…
  • Education in Germany: A Comprehensive Overview
    Education in Germany: A Comprehensive Overview
  • German Language: A Journey Through Linguistic Heritage, Structure, and Influence
    German Language: A Journey Through Linguistic Heritage,…

Recent Posts

German Schorle

Exploring the Refreshing World of Schorle: A Traditional German Beverage

German Spritzer

The Ultimate Guide to Spritzers: Refreshing, Effervescent, and Versatile

Spekulatius German Spiced Biscuits

Spekulatius (German Spiced Biscuits): A Traditional Delight

Haselnussmakronen - German Hazelnut Macaroons

Haselnussmakronen (German Hazelnut Macaroons): A Delightful Treat from Germany

German Sauerkraut

The Rich History of Sauerkraut in German Cuisine: A Culinary Journey

Copyright © 2023 · German Culture

Go to mobile version