Reasons for the Successful Spread of Ideas
- The printing press played a huge role in spreading Luther’s ideas quickly.
- Luther’s message was not just for scholars or priests. Ordinary townspeople could read and share it too.
Frederick the Wise
- Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony, gave Luther protection when the Church tried to silence him.
- Arranged for Luther to be hidden in Wartburg Castle, where he translated the New Testament into German.
Attitudes
- Many German princes supported Luther because his ideas gave them more independence from the pope and the Holy Roman Emperor.
- Some also saw a chance to take over Church lands and wealth.
- In the cities, Luther’s call for reform appealed to ordinary people and civic leaders who wanted more control over local religious life.
The Imperial Diets of Worms (1521) and Speyer (1526 and 1529)
- At the Diet of Worms in 1521, Luther was told to take back his ideas but refused.
- The Diet of Speyer in 1526 gave princes temporary freedom to decide whether to enforce the Edict of Worms. This allowed Lutheranism to grow stronger.
- At the second Diet of Speyer in 1529, Catholic leaders tried to reverse this decision. In protest, the Lutheran princes stood up for their beliefs, and this is where the word “Protestant” first came from.
Common Mistake
- Students sometimes confuse Frederick the Wise with other princes or think he was motivated only by faith. His main motive was political protection of his territory.
- Students sometimes just say “printing was important” without explaining why (reach, speed, access to ordinary people).
Exam technique
- Always connect the printing press to the idea of mass communication and the rapid spread of reform.
- Show both political (princes) and popular (cities/people) support to cover breadth.
Self review
- Examine the role of political protection and princely support in the survival of Lutheranism between 1521 and 1529.
- To what extent did popular support in towns and cities contribute to the success of the early Reformation?
