The Peasant War in Germany

Summary

Friedrich Engels' book «The Peasant War in Germany» delves into the socio-economic and political causes and consequences of the Peasant War in Germany during 1524-1525. Engels views the war as a significant event in the history of class struggle, highlighting the role of the peasantry and urban lower classes in their fight against feudal oppression. He examines the actions and ideas of rebellion leaders like Thomas Müntzer and explains why the uprising failed. Engels also connects the events of the Peasant War to the broader processes of the Reformation and early capitalism, illustrating how these processes influenced the development of Germany and Europe as a whole.