Reformation in Livonia was one of those events that took place simultaneously with Reformation in German lands. It is often highlighted that Riga and Livonia were among the first ones that joined Martin Luther’s movement, and Riga pulled ahead of the cities of Germany. The question remains: how identic were the reasons for Reformation in Livonia and in West Europe.
The goal of this article is to analyse the situation in Livonia on the eve of Reformation and to ascertain the circumstances, processes and events that could facilitate joining of this region to Reformation movement.
There are many factors that supported the idea of Reformation in Livonia.
Inside Livonia, on the eve of Reformation, there was a clearly highlighted conflict between confederation’s biggest cities (Riga, Rēvele, Tērbata) and their feudal seniors — the Order of Livonia, Archbishop of Riga and other bishops. Riga was established as one of the biggest trading centres in South-East part of Baltic Sea, with the turnover of huge financial resources, while double seniors — the Order and Archbishop gladly profited from it, but themselves did not contribute to Riga’s development.
The authorities of Livonian confederation and the property structure facilitated the situation that the land belonged to both feudal seniors, which in the second half of 15th century started to impede manor economy and development.
The foreign policy situation near Livonia’s frontier zone had changed — its neighbours had become stronger and Livonia’s main military force — the Order was not so dangerous to them anymore. Moreover, these powerful neighbours — Lithuania in union with Poland, as well as Russia and Sweden — strived to acquire the dominant role in the region, while Livonia became weaker. It became a desirable target for implementation of political ambitions of its neighbours. Hence, the situation became more unsafe inside the confederation and Reformation could be successfully implemented.
One of the main conclusions is the following: Livonia’s Reformation was an attempt of the cities, especially Riga, to change the division of power in favour of themselves, and to disengage from both the sovereigns — the Order of Livonia and Archbishop of Riga.
It was essential for new manors to acquire freedom and land, which was disturbed by the previously mentioned institutions of the Catholic Church, which owned most of the land in the region and held them as their vassals, in political and financial dependence.
