Why did the Reformation start in Germany?

1. Why did the Reformation start in Germany?

2. Holy Roman Empire 300 territories 1437 – elected emperor from the Austrian Habsburg family 1493-1519 = Emperor Maximilian I Power struggles between the HR Emperor and powerful states What was Germany like in the 1500s?

3. Anti-clericalism North Germany = few clerics with a university degree Lower Rhine = half of the priests were absent South = peasant uprisings because the church raised land rents Anti-papalism Papal taxes were high Italian cardinals were being appointed to German positions No central authority to oppose the Pope Anti-Clericalism and Anti-papalism

4. Other factors….. • Printing press • Increase in population • Expansion in trade and industry • Re-introduce feudalism

5. Task Look at the boxes describing what Germany was like in the 16th Century. Decide whether each box is connected to political, economic, social, religious or cultural factors.

6. Why did the Reformation start in Germany?

7. Luther’s Appeal Germany, 1517 The German Reformation Luther’s Revolt Luther’s Teachings

8. Introduction • This is where you introduce the topic and explain what the Reformation is • Here you also need to comment on the areas you are going to look at in order to answer the question……you do not need to give specific examples or explanations here

9. Germany, 1517 • Here you need to comment on what Germany was like in 1517 • What problems did Germany face? (link this to political, social, economic, cultural and religious) • REMEMBER not to just describe the problems but also use them to explain WHY the German Reformation could have started in Germany.

10. Luther’s Teachings • Here you need to look at what Luther believed and explain how his beliefs were different from the church • Remember to comment on indulgences and marriage of priests • Try to include other things (eg transubstantiation, sacraments) • LINK Luther’s teachings with anti-clericalism and anti-papalism in Germany at the time

11. Luther’s Revolt • Here it is important to mention how the church reacted to Luther • Also think about how Luther reacted to the Church • Events that happened between 1517 and 1521 are important here • Comment on the importance of Luther’s refusal to accept the authority of the Pope and how his actions could have helped the Reformation start in Germany

12. Luther’s Appeal • Which people agreed with Luther’s teachings? • Think about who could benefit from Luther’s ideas….why? • Princes, Knights, peasants, Imperial towns and cities – how would each of these benefit? • How does this help to explain why the Reformation started in Germany?

13. Conclusion • Before you write your conclusion, think about which of the areas you think had the biggest impact on the Reformation in Germany…… • Remember to comment on what caused the Reformation to start in Germany….explain why • Then make a judgment about which reason you think is the most important and explain why you think it had the biggest impact