Why did the works of Martin Luther have such a strong influence on the middle class? (Site 1)

Born in Eisleben, Germany, in 1483, Martin Luther went on to become one of Western history's most significant figures ... The Catholic Church was ever after divided, and the Protestantism that soon emerged was shaped by Luther's ideas. His writings changed the course of religious and cultural history in the West. Fundamentally Luther succeeded because his ideas appealed to people of all classes. In its maturity his theology was seen as revolutionary in economic, social, and political-as well as intellectual and doctrinal ways ... Yet another reason for Luther's success was the relative weakness of the forces opposing him