How did Luther's popularity in Germany change?

Answer 1

Luther's popularity in Germany grew significantly after he posted his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, which criticized the Catholic Church's practices, particularly the sale of indulgences. His ideas resonated with a wide audience, including reform-minded clergy and laypeople, leading to the spread of Lutheranism across the region. Support from German princes, who saw the Reformation as a means to assert their independence from the Pope and the Holy Roman Empire, further bolstered his influence. However, his popularity faced challenges during the later stages of the Reformation, particularly as political and social tensions escalated into conflicts like the Peasants' War.