Luther and the German Reformation

Flashcards on the conditions in early 16th century Germany and the factors leading to the Reformation.

How did the Reformation take hold in the Holy Roman Empire?

The 'Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation' experienced rapid Reformation with strong early popular support.

Why was Germany more open to financial exploitation by Rome?

The lack of a strong central authority made Germany susceptible to financial exploitation by Rome, fueling anti-papal anger.

What factors contributed to the tension in Germany before the Reformation?

Anger at clerical abuses, the Church's power, humanist literature, deep piety, and the belief that the world was ending.

Why was Emperor Charles V unable to silence Luther?

Charles V lacked sufficient direct power and had made concessions to the electors.

Who were the electors in the Holy Roman Empire?

The most important princes who had the ability to choose the emperor and extract promises from candidates.

What areas did the Holy Roman Empire cover in 1500?

Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, as well as parts of eastern France, western Poland, and northern Italy.

What were the different types of states within the Holy Roman Empire?

Ecclesiastical states ruled by prince bishops, large secular states ruled by princes, small ecclesiastical states ruled by lesser prelates, small secular states ruled by counts and lesser lords, and imperial cities run by city councils.

How did the states and cities within the Holy Roman Empire govern themselves?

They ruled themselves and fiercely guarded their individual liberties and privileges.

Why did the states accept the need for some sort of central organization and a single leader?

To provide defense against external threats and prevent internal conflict.

What functions was central government expected to fulfill?

Defense, law, and order.

How was the Holy Roman Emperor chosen?

He was elected by the seven electors.

Why had the position of emperor gone to a member of the Habsburg family since 1437?

The Habsburgs were the biggest landowners in the empire, rich enough for the post, and their Austrian lands provided a buffer against threats from the Ottoman Empire.

What power did the position of emperor come with?

Honor and status: he was the secular head of Christendom and meant to defend the Roman Catholic Church.

What was the key institution of central government in the empire?

The imperial diet.

What were the three 'colleges' or estates consisted of in the imperial diet?

One for the electors, one for the other ecclesiastical and secular princes, and one for representatives from the imperial cities.

What was the standard procedure followed when a diet met?

The emperor's propositions were read, the colleges met separately to discuss and vote, they passed their views back to the emperor, and if the emperor and diet agreed, their conclusions were published as a 'recess'.

What was the purpose of these circles?

Regional co-ordination.

In practice, what was the only effective armed force in the empire?

The Swabian League.

What were the roles of the central courts?

The Imperial Chamber Court and The Imperial Aulic Court.

What characterized the behavior of Maximilian regarding the imperial election of 1519?

He had not pre-organized the election of his grandson Charles.

Why were the electors concerned about Charles's vast inheritance?

The electors were concerned Charles would use resources from his vast inheritance outside the empire to strengthen his position inside the empire.

Why did the electors choose Charles as emperor?

Charles handed out the largest bribes, was a Habsburg, likely to defend Germany against external threats, Likely to be absent, French candidate unwelcome and because the Swabian League favored Charles.

How did the imperial election help Luther?

Weakened the position of the emperor, and selected someone they knew would be absent from the empire for lengthy periods of time.

What were three main factors impacting on the economy in Germany in this period?

Germany's population rose,There were some 4,000 towns and cities in the empire, and Inflation.

For whom were these good times?

For miners, manufacturers and merchants.

Which ports were in decline?

North Germany's Baltic ports were in decline.

How did landlords west of the Elbe increase their incomes?

Increased rents, restriction of access to food sources, and enclosing land previously used for common grazing.

How did landlords east of the Elbe increase their incomes?

Reintroduced serfdom.

From whom was some of Luther's greatest support to come from?

The educated elite of the towns and cities, who were thriving in the early 16th century.

Why was obedience to the teachings of the Church crucial?

To minimize time spent in purgatory and achieve salvation.

What were the roles of the central courts?

Religious events that were a crucial means to achieving salvation.

What was the influence of humanism?

The translation of the bible, promoted personal understanding of the bible, Criticized the church.

What is anti-clericalism?

Opposition to the clergy, on the basis of their 'abuses' and their power.

What were the reasons for anti-clericalism so prominent in the empire?

Positions were sold to the highest bidder, it was possible to hold more than one position at a time, and scandalous living and immorality among the clergy.

What caused widespread resentment?

The Church's power in the empire and its interference in everyday life and abuse of privileges.

What was the tithe?

One-tenth of every person's income or produce that was paid to the Church.

What were the main reasons for anti-papalism?

The personal behavior of the Renaissance popes, the condition of the Church in Rome, and the belief that these popes were financially exploiting Germany.

Why did Leo X issue an indulgence in 1515?

To complete the rebuilding of St Peter's Basilica.

What were the benefits of the indulgence?

The plenary remission of all sins for those in purgatory, the remission of all sins for those who contributed financially, and the ability to gain time off purgatory.