The Reformation soon becomes marked by violence and extremism, which is not surprising, given the revolutionary nature of Lutheranism and the economic and political tensions of the period.

The Knights' War of 1522-23, in which members of the lower nobility rebel against the authorities in southwestern Germany, is quickly crushed.

Some of the rampaging knights are ardent supporters of Luther.

The Peasants' War of 1524-25 is more serious, involving as many as three hundred thousand peas ants in southwestern and central Germany.

Influenced somewhat by the new religious ideas but responding mostly to changing economic conditions, the peasants' rebellion spreads quickly, but without coordination.

It also receives support from some dissatisfied city dwellers and from some noblemen of arms who lead its ragged armies.

Although the peasants' rebellion is the largest uprising in German history, it is quickly suppressed, with about one hundred thousand casualties.

In the 1530s, the Anabaptists, a radical Christian sect, seize several towns, their objective being to construct a just society.

They are likewise brutally suppressed by the authorities.