The Diet of Worms

Question 1

When was the Diet of Worms and where was it?

Answer 1

Diet meets at the City of Worms (South-West G) March 1521 and it was in April 1521.

Question 2

What did Charles agree Luther to do?

Answer 2

Agrees to see Luther, during the diet.

Question 3

What did Luther do 17-18th April?

Answer 3

Luther speaks at the diet- only allowed to speak briefly, supports his view on scripture and theology.

Question 4

What happened on the 19th April?

Answer 4

Charles condemns Luther in his verdict, but allows some of his diet political figures to discuss with Luther one final time (negotiations failed).

Question 5

What happened on the 26th April?

Answer 5

Luther sent back to Wittenberg and ‘kidnapped’ by Frederick the Wise (to protect him from arrest).

Edict (law) of Worms declared Luther an outlaw in the HRE.

Question 6

Where did Frederick keep Luther, when till?

Answer 6

Wartburg Castle, under his protection, until March 1522.

Question 7

What was Charles intention for the Diet?

Answer 7

Wanted to assert his authority on the diet and he aimed for Luther to mess up or recant to please the princes who attended as he needed their support.

Question 8

What did the pope’s representatives want?

Answer 8

Wanted the Diet to condemn Luther- consolidate the Papal Excommunication.

Question 9

Was Luther a main priority of Charles and the diet?

Answer 9

No, Charles had threats from the Ottoman Empire, the aftermath of the Indulgence Controversy, German princes grievances against the CC dominated and threats from France.

Question 10

What did Jerame Aleander and what did he want?

Answer 10

Pope’s representative and did not want Luther to be allowed to discuss, wanted him silenced and condemned and for Charles to arrest him .

Question 11

How did Luther speak?

Answer 11

Briefly on two evenings, no spectacular debate.

Question 12

What did Charles further allow to ‘help’ Luther and stop any further issues of Luther?

Answer 12

Allowed further negotiations to try to get Luther to recant- potential huge coup for him.

Question 13

Who supported the Edict outlawing Luther?

Answer 13

The Pope

Question 14

What did Luther and Charles clash on?

Answer 14

Had clashed and symbolism of Luther representing the new faith against traditional forces of C grew.

Question 15

What opportunity did Charles miss?

Answer 15

To deal with Luther, to arrest and execute him. Did now want to create opposition from G princes.

Question 16

How can you see the Diet was more successful for Luther?

Answer 16

He was not executed or arrested.
Gained him more popularity and showed his writings- April 16, 2,000 people escorted him to his lodgings in a local friary- ordinary people support.
Edict was limited.
Could mentally consolidate

Question 17

What was Luther able to do with his view?

Answer 17

Further defend his view and reason- said he must stick to his conscience what he believes the Word of God, as to him anything else is wrong.

Question 18

What was Luther able to do in hiding?

Answer 18

Continue to write pamphlets.
Wrote a letter to Mainz when the latter announced a new indulgence sale.
Able to gather materials he needed to embark on a massive project like Erasmus’ Greek Testament, Reuchlins’s Hebrew Dictionary.
Able to start translating Bible to German starting with NT.
Able to grow stronger spiritually not physically.
Wrote plain clothing and grew hair.

Question 19

What was Luther’s name in hiding?

Answer 19

Junker.

Question 20

What were the main features of the Emperor’s Edict?

Answer 20

From May 14th

No one was allowed to give him hospitality.

If they meet him they must take him prisoner and deliver him to Worms if they have sufficient force.

People must attack, overthrow, seize and wreck property of his friends, adherents and enthusiasts.

No one could sell, buy or copy his works, copy or print them r approve his opinions or support, preach defend or assert his books and theology.

Question 21

What factors undermined the power of the Emperor Charles Edict to outlaw Luther?

Answer 21

Only promulgated in a few places- Habsburg territories, City of Cologne and Ducal Saxony- not in action immediately.

Structure of empire- needed Prince’s and city authorities to enforce and for 8 years they said they would if C could persuade pope to call a general council to deal with their 102 gravamina. Agreed G was exploited and CC had issues but not in L- majority. Political tool.

Couldn’t force them- Capitulation 1519- foreign troops, declare war without permission of imperial diet. Didn’t have time to stay- F activing aggressively and Spain- revolt.

Wnted general council but action (immediate) hard as L vanished.