The German Peasants' War: a summer of fire and blood

Welcome to the History Extra podcast, fascinating historical conversations from the makers of BBC History magazine. The German Peasants' War of 1524 1525 was the largest popular uprising in Western Europe before the French Revolution. Thousands flocked to its cause as it swept across vast expanses of German speaking land with speed, determination and fire. But what began with calls for freedom, justice and reform ended in brutal suppression. Lindell Roper explores the revolution's explosive causes and consequences in her Cundal History Prize nominated book, Summer of Fire and Blood.

Emily Briffitt spoke to her to find out more. Thank you so much for joining me on the podcast to talk about your new book, all about the German Peasants' War. Before we really delve into this story, I'd really like to ask you about the title of your book. It's Summer of Fire and Bloods. Why do you think this is an apt name for this major movement of the 1520s?

Well, it was a summer of fire and blood in 1525, and fire Because in the course of it, many, many castles and monasteries were set on fire. And we reckon that of the monasteries and convents in the area of the peasants' war, half of them were attacked in some way, many of them were burnt to the ground. And then there are all the castles which were set on fire too. So if you'd been around in that summer, you would have seen fires.

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