ABSTRACT
This paper, originally prepared for the now defunct Concepts and Terms section, describes the major peasant movements in late fifteenth century South-Western Germany. These riots and rebellions prepared the way for the great confrontation of the mass movement of the 1524–26 Peasant War. The author points out that they have to be analyzed in the context of growing crisis and dissatisfaction all over Central Europe. In spite of their defeat the conspiratory movements and open uprisings had a significant rôle in preparing the ground for the armed struggle.
