Hello and welcome to the history of the Germans, episode 124, Decline and Fall, Part 2.

1531 to 1535, a period of just four years is enough to capsize Lubbeck's position as the diplomatic heart of the Baltic Sea,

the General Secretary of the Hansa, the ally of of the Baltic Sea, the General Secretary of the

Hanse, the ally of both the King of Denmark and the King of Sweden, and an early member

of the Schmalcaldic League. How can that happen? As Edward Gibbon would say, history in fact

is no more than a list of crimes of humanity, human follies and accidents.

But before we start, enjoy this moment of Zen, when you are undisturbed by your presenter

extolling the benefits of online mental health services, recruitment companies, or beer-trimmers.

I am unsure what is more painful. The humiliation of the presenter pretending to like things he or she clearly is never

going to use, or is it the embarrassment of hearing someone who you have grown to respect

debasing himself or herself?

Luckily, that does not happen here on the history of the Germans.

This podcast is entirely funded by the generosity of our patrons

who've signed up on patreon.com slash History of the Germans

or on my website, Historyof the Germans.com slash support.

And thanks a lot to Kevin C., Carl T, Tim B,

Carlos Alonso C and his son, Eduardo R, his patience, or, should I say, lack of it.

I suppose it would be easier to draw attention from youngsters if I discussed modern-day German

Kaisers, like Tony Cruz.

Last week, we surveyed the lay of the land in the early 16th century in preparation for the

dramatic events that led to the fall of Lübeg from Queen of the Baltic to wealthy

but ultimately no longer significant imperial-free city.

...