The term "Landsknechte" was first coined by Peter von Hagenbach, recorder for Charles the Bold of Burgundy. The term Landsknecht translated literally means "servant of the country" and first began appearing in the German language in approximately 1470. The term applied to the mercenary soldiers of the areas of Alsace, Baden Wurttemburg, Austrian Tyrol, and other numerous countries in what is today Northern Germany. These soldiers served their countries in military service under the Holy Roman Emperors Maximilian I, Charles V, Ferdinand, and Maximilian II. These troops were originally created by the "father of the Landsknecht," Maximilian I, to uphold his claim to the Burgundian Legacy of the Netherlands. This was one reason for the formation of the Swabian Alliance in 1487. This alliance needed an army, and so the Landsknechte were born, the first created on German soil. In 1490, after the siege of Stuhlweissenberg, Maximilian had his troops swear their allegiance to him and their cause. This event brought about the discipline and unit integrity that would mold the future Landsknechte. This new military force was closely modelled on the fierce and well trained halbadiers and pikeman of the Swiss Confederation.

Taken from Landsknecht.com
http://www.landsknecht.com/html/history.html