Changes

The Peasants soon became radicalized, and the largest band was led by the radical preacher Thomas Muntzer. Both sides perpetrated atrocities. At the battle of Frankhausen, the Swabian League shattered the peasant army. They later captured and executed Thomas Muntzer. Sporadic resistance continued until 1527, but the Peasant Revolt had been completely defeated, with the deaths of up to 100,000 people of all classes <ref> Miller, p. 121</ref>.

[[File: Muntzer Three.jpg |thumbnail|300px|left|Pamphlet of the 12 Articles]]

Luther was deeply influenced by the teachings of St Augustine and believed that all legitimate authority should be obeyed, and it was a Christian’s duty to do so.<ref> St Augustine. <i>The City of God</i> (London, Penguin, 1993), p. 356, 478</ref> After the Peasants War, Luther became even more conservative. He even argued that every Christian should obey the temporal ruler without question and, if requested, should serve as an executioner for a tyrant.