What was the Knights' Revolt?

The Knights' Revolt (1522-1523) was a military action taken in the Germanic region of the Holy Roman Empire to preserve the knightly class, unify Germany, and advance the cause of the Protestant Reformation.

Who were the leaders of the Knights' Revolt?

The Knights' Revolt was led by the imperial knight Franz von Sickingen and encouraged by the written works of the poet-knight Ulrich von Hutten.

Was the Knights' Revolt a success?

The Knights' Revolt was crushed in May 1523.

Why is the Knights' Revolt important?

The Knights' Revolt is important because it led to the German Peasants' War of 1524-1525 which killed at least 100,000 peasants. It was also the first military action encouraged by the Protestant Reformation.

Did Martin Luther support the Knights' Revolt?

Martin Luther did not support the Knights' Revolt. He distanced himself from its leaders and denounced rebellion against secular authorities as unbiblical.

What were the battles of the Knights' Revolt?

There were only two battles (engagements) during the Knights' Revolt: the siege of Trier in August 1522 and the siege of Nanstein Castle in May 1523.

Knights' Revolt Timeline

Definition

The Knight’s Revolt (1522-1523) was a military action led by the German imperial knight Franz von Sickingen (l. 1481-1523) and encouraged by the knight and writer Ulrich von Hutten (l. 1488-1523) launched to restore the status of the imperial knights and advance the Protestant Reformation in Germany. The revolt failed to rally the peasants and was quickly crushed.

More about: Knights' Revolt

Timeline

1481 - 1523
Life of the imperial knight Franz von Sickingen, leader of the Knights' Revolt.
1488 - 1523
Life of the poet-knight Ulrich von Hutten whose works encouraged the Knights' Revolt.
1522 - 1523
The Knights' Revolt in the Germanic region of the Holy Roman Empire.

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