Slovene Peasant Uprising of 1515

an antifeudal uprising of the peasants of Carniola, Styria, and Carinthia that lasted from March to July 1515. It was prompted by a sharp deterioration in the living conditions of the Slovene peasantry brought on by the intensification of feudal oppression from the second half of the 15th century. The signal for action was the assassination of Baron J. von Thurn, who was attempting to institute a new tax, near Kočevje (Lower Carniola). During May the uprising engulfed all of Carniola, Styria, and Carin-thia. The insurgents seized castles, burned manorial estates, and divided up property. They were joined by miners in several towns in Carinthia and Carniola. The uprising was suppressed by the united forces of the nobility, supported by imperial troops.