Schmalkaldic League

The Schmalkaldic League was a defensive alliance formed in 1531 by Protestant territories within the Holy Roman Empire during the Reformation. Its primary goal was to protect its members from Catholic opposition and the policies of Emperor Charles V, who sought to maintain Catholic dominance. The league was named after the town of Schmalkalden, where the agreement was signed. It played a significant role in the religious and political struggles of the time, leading to conflicts like the Schmalkaldic War (1546-1547), which ultimately resulted in a temporary setback for the Protestant cause.