„Outsourcing“ violence – by order of the emperor

From the beginning of the 14th century, Augsburg increasingly had to contend with raids on its merchant trains. The single-handed enforcement of law and the individual use of violence by the nobility, for example through feuds, were the order of the day. The empire had not succeeded in suppressing these yet. After renewed attacks and great damage as far as the Swabian Alb by the occupants of the castles of Brenz and Niederstötzingen (both in Baden-Württemberg), Ludwig the Bavarian (born 1282/86, ruled 1314-1347) interceded with a privilege for the imperial city. Instead of taking action himself, the Emperor authorised the city of Augsburg and its allies to strike back themselves on 11 March 1340: the imperial power of execution against the troublemakers was thus officially "outsourced".

The allies belonged to an association of individual cities and princes founded under Ludwig and constantly renewed on the basis of mutual aid. The practical benefits of the agreement and its great importance were obvious: after just two months, the occupants of the castles were defeated. At the beginning of June, the Counts of Helfenstein finally swore an oath of truce to the cities of Augsburg, Ulm, Esslingen and Reutlingen (all three Baden-Württemberg) for themselves and the more deeply involved "Brvn den Gu(e)zz". This kind of solution was ideal for the emperor. Augsburg had laid out the costs, but was able to recover most of them according to the previously established rules. Nevertheless, in December Ludwig had to order the cities willing to pay to repay the Augsburgs their expenses, and indirectly shared in the financial burden with an indemnity.

Ludwig’s policy towards the strengthened cities and their alliance was pragmatic, because as powerful players in the empire they could help to pacify individual regions. In the case of Augsburg, Ludwig did not even have to participate in the campaign or in the direct costs. Moreover, he did not create any new noble enemies. “Outsourcing” had proven its advantages.

Jakob Rasch