Peace of Augsburg

The Peace of Augsburg, signed in 1555, was a treaty that ended religious conflict in the Holy Roman Empire by allowing each ruler to choose the official religion of their territory—either Catholicism or Lutheranism. This agreement acknowledged the religious diversity within the empire and aimed to bring stability by permitting local leaders to set policies according to their own beliefs. It marked a significant moment in religious tolerance, but it did not recognize other Protestant groups or protect individuals' rights, leaving some religious tensions unresolved.