Martin Empson

Martin Empson, a historian focused on the German Peasants' War and the Radical Reformation, explores the complex legacy of Anabaptism following the rebellion's defeat. He discusses how radical religious ideas became a powerful tool for social change, sparking debate over concepts like shared wealth and adult baptism. Empson highlights the resilience of Anabaptist groups amidst persecution and the significant impact of millenarian beliefs on their ideology. He also sheds light on the dramatic rise and fall of Anabaptism in Munster, illustrating its lasting influence on European society.

In this engaging discussion, Martin Empson, a writer and historian about to release his book on the German Peasants' War, dives into this pivotal uprising. He highlights how the Reformation ignited popular resistance against feudalism. The conversation unveils the complex socio-economic divides of pre-Reformation Germany, Martin Luther's pivotal influence, and how he ultimately sided with the ruling class despite initial sympathy for the peasants. Empson also explores the lasting legacies of this revolt in shaping revolutionary thought and class struggle.