The Peasant War in Germany

Historical Context and Significance

Friedrich Engels' book «The Peasant War in Germany», written in 1850, offers a historical-materialist analysis of one of the largest social conflicts in 16th-century Europe—the Peasant War in Germany. Engels views this war as an early example of class struggle, analyzing the economic, social, and political causes of the uprising. He emphasizes the role of the peasantry and urban plebeians in their fight against feudal oppression and links their actions to the broader processes occurring in Europe during the Reformation era. The book's cultural impact lies in its contribution to Marxist historiography and in shaping the understanding of class struggle as a driving force of historical development. Engels uses historical material to illustrate the theoretical tenets of Marxism, making the work significant for both historians and political theorists. The book also influenced subsequent studies of social conflicts and revolutionary movements, offering a methodology for analyzing historical events through the lens of class relations.