Historically Thinking Episode 395: Summer of Fire and Blood
14 snips
Feb 10, 2025 
Lyndal Roper, Regius Professor of History at Oxford and author of "Summer of Fire and Blood: The German Peasant’s War," delves into the dramatic German Peasants' War of 1525. She highlights the uprising's massive scale, involving over 100,000 peasants and catalyzing social upheaval. The discussion covers Luther's impact on peasant freedom, the significance of communal identity expressed through attire, and the bold demands articulated in the 12 Articles. Roper also contrasts the revolutionary visions of Thomas Munzer and Martin Luther, illuminating the era's theological tensions.
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Relational Freedom
- Peasants' freedom in 1520 was relational and collective, tied to community rights and obligations.
- This contrasts with modern individualistic freedom.
Peasant Wisdom
- Lyndal Roper emphasizes the intellectual and cultural depth of peasants, challenging stereotypical portrayals.
- She highlights their wisdom stemming from their intimate connection with nature and culture in farming.
Serfdom and Humiliation
- Serfdom involved humiliating dues like hens and eggs, symbolizing ownership by lords.
- Lords also controlled serfs' marriages to maintain their workforce, impacting family life.
