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Imperial KnightI. Situation of the Imperial knights in the early 16th century: Imperial knights receive status and authority directly from the emperor Loss of political and military importance during the 15th century Rulers rely on professional lawyers as advisors Standing armies and mercenaries replace knightly service Knights cultivate chivalric code and ideals Discrepancy between these ideals and reality: many knights impoverished, Make a living as mercenaries, robbers, professional jousters II. Imperial knights call for reform Excluded from the imperial diet, knights organize their own assemblies and societies (since 1490) Articulate grievances: want more land, hostility towards territorial rulers Protest 1495 Ban on noble feud (constitutes a way of living, Goetz von Berlichingen engages in feuds as a profession) III. Imperial knights and Luther Knights attracted to Luthers attack on the wealth of the Church Many territorial rulers are bishops The knight Ulrich of Hutten champions Luthers cause Franz of Sickingen (war entrepreneur, rich leader of mercenary armies) offers shelter to Luthers sympathizers, celebrates first protestant services in his castle In 1522, Luther publishes a pamphlet directed against the so-called estate of the pope and bishops, its aggressive tone seems to support the grievances of the knights IV. Sickingens revolt Sickingen begins a Pfaffenkrieg (war against the clergy) against the archbishop of Trier Feud is supported by the archbishop of Mainz Sickingen legitimates his attack with the Reformation message: Goal is to restore Christian liberty to the oppressed inhabitants of Trier and to open the city gates to the message of the gospel Calls for knights to follow him, hope for confiscation and distribution of the ecclesiastical territories and their own elevation to princely rank Attack on Trier fails, German princes raze castles of imperial knights Imperial knights lose political influence for good Despite his protests, Luther is blamed for rebellion by his enemies 1523: Luther writes tract on What Constitutes Secular Authority And To What Extent It Must Be Obeyed
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