By all means, let’s bless Martin Luther for his role in inspiring, and in putting down, the Swabian Peasant’s Revolt in which 75,000 German peasants were killed. And let’s bless him for the legacy which led to the Thirty Years War, in which so great was the devastation that 30% to 40% of the German population died. Good intentions and brave words do have consequences.
Luther’s Protestant Reformation and the German Peasants’ War, were separate events, happening about the same time, but occurring independently. Also, he took a middle course in the Peasant’s War. He supported the break with Rome that was opposed by the aristocratic clergy but not by other classes. He also tended to support the centralization and urbanization of the economy. This position alienated the lesser nobles, but shored up his position with the burghers. Also, was Luther one of the political leaders during the Thirty Years War?