German Society at the Close of the Middle Ages

"German Society at the Close of the Middle Ages" by Ernest Belfort Bax is a historical exploration that examines Germany right before the Reformation. It describes the environment and uprisings that would eventually cause the Peasant's War. The book looks closely at how the strict social classes and money problems led to people fighting against the unfair feudal system. It starts by showing a picture of the late 1400s, when things seemed calm, but big changes were about to happen. People, especially farmers and town residents, were getting upset because of money issues and harsh leadership. Things like the appearance of leaders who claimed to know the future and early protests hinted at bigger revolts to come. Bax makes it clear that the troubles of the time created a need for fairness and equal rights, mixing money-related complaints with a desire for better social standing, which all played a big role in the events before the Reformation.