The Anabaptists were members of a diverse 'Radical Reformation' movement who believed mainstream reformers were too moderate.

Their name, meaning 're-baptizers,' came from their core belief in baptizing consenting adults rather than infants.

Most Anabaptists advocated a strict separation of church and state, believing Christians should not participate in secular government.

They were often pacifists, refusing to swear oaths or serve in the military.

Because of these beliefs, they were viewed as politically subversive and were severely persecuted by both Catholics and other Protestants.

A radical faction of Anabaptists seized the city of Münster in 1534, but their brutal regime was quickly crushed.

The violence at Münster was used to justify the persecution of all Anabaptists, including peaceful groups.

Peaceful leaders like Menno Simons reorganized the movement, emphasizing non-violence and community separation.

The Anabaptist movement is the spiritual ancestor of modern Mennonite, Amish, and Hutterite communities.

Their ideas about religious freedom and separation of church and state were radical for their time but became influential later.