16 January: Public discussion on the Peasants' War of 1525

2025 marks the 500th anniversary of the German Peasants' War. To mark the occasion, the Käte Hamburger Kolleg “Legal Unity and Pluralism” is hosting a public discussion with Prof. Dr. Gerd Schwerhoff on 16 January 2025. The early modern historian from the Technical University of Dresden has just published a highly acclaimed account of the Peasants' War. The event begins at 19.00 in the Stadtbücherei, Alter Steinweg 11, in Münster. Admission is free, registration is not required. The event language is German.

In 1525, the peasants in the Holy Roman Empire rose up and protested against indentured servitude and high taxes. Historical research has interpreted the Peasants' War as a “revolution of the common man”. In his new book, Gerd Schwerhoff contradicts this interpretation and describes how contemporaries themselves perceived the events. In conversation with historian and EViR Director Prof. Dr. Ulrike Ludwig, he will report on the diverse roots and turbulent course of the Peasants' War. What were the demands and goals of this mass movement, who were its opponents and supporters? What role did ritualised violence play and what role did the law play?

All information about the event can be found here.

Master class with Lyndal Roper and Gerd Schwerhoff

On 18 January, the Käte Hamburger Kolleg will also be hosting a master class on the Peasants' War with Lyndal Roper and Gerd Schwerhoff. All information can be found here.