Swabian League of 1376

a union of 14 imperial cities, including Ulm, Konstanz (Constance), and Ravensburg, that was formed to resist oppressive taxation, the arbitrary rule of the princes, and feudal anarchy in Germany. The league’s successes, notably its victory over the count of Württemberg at Reutlingen in 1377, attracted nearly all the cities of Swabia to its side. In 1381 the league merged with the League of the Rhine; they were soon joined by the cities of Franconia and by some Swiss cities, the total number reaching 89. As the Swabian League grew, it became a powerful political force and was opposed by the emperor, the princes, and the knights. In a battle at Döffingen on Aug. 23, 1388, the league’s troops were routed. The Swabian League disintegrated in 1389.