"Three Reformers" by Albrecht Dürer

Taking encouragement from the work of Protestant reformers, peasants in various German territories gathered in associations and drew up their grievances against the oppressive practices of princes and landlords in a petition called the Twelve Articles. This was followed by episodes of armed revolt. Although sympathetic to the grievances of the peasants, Luther was also attentive to the privileges and duties of the nobles. Luther called on the authorities to suppress this revolt without mercy. Damaging to Luther's popularity, this action resulted in the alienation of the peasants and the consolidation of princely power in the Lutheran lands.