Resisting Authority: The Peasant Revolts and Paths to Egalitarianism

This chapter examines the socio-political upheaval during the peasant uprisings of 1524-1525, focusing on the oppressive conditions leading to revolt and the emergence of a new mercantile class. It highlights grassroots movements, such as the Anabaptists and the Twelve Articles of the Black Forest, advocating for radical reforms against feudal hierarchies. The narrative explores the historical dynamics between egalitarianism and authority, challenging misconceptions about human nature and the inevitability of state power.