In which years were 100,000 to 300,000 peasants slaughtered in Europe in the German Peasants’ Revolt?

In Central Europe, on German-speaking parts of what is now Germany, eastern France (Alsace), Switzerland and Austria, peasants engaged in a widespread revolt called the German Peasants’ War in 1524 to 1525. It failed because of intense opposition from the aristocracy, who slaughtered 100,000 up to 300,000 poorly armed peasants and farmers.

The war consisted of both economic and religious revolts Incorporating some principles and rhetoric from the emerging Protestant Reformation, through which the peasants sought influence and freedom. The peasants and farmers were often supported by the Anabaptist clergy who took the lead. The Anabaptists were a Christian movement which traced its origin to the Radical Reformation, a response to perceived corruption both within the Catholic Church and in the expanding Magisterial Protestant Movement led by Martin Luther.

The uprising was the largest and most widespread popular revolt prior to the French Revolution of 1789. It began in different locations, beginning in the southwestern part of modern day Germany and Alsace (eastern France), and spread into central and eastern areas of Germany and present-day Austria. The peasants and farmers lacked a leadership command, artillery and any cavalry as well as military experience.

Thomas Muntzer (1489-1525) was one of the early instigators and supporters of the revolt. He was a German preacher and radical theologian, captured after the Battle of Frankenhausen, tortured and executed.