The Council of Trent and the Augsburg Interim

Research output: Contribution to book or proceedingChapter

Abstract

The Augsburg Interim (“Declaration of His Roman Imperial Majesty on the Observance of Religion within the Holy Empire Until the Decision of the General Council”) was adopted at the 1548 Diet of Augsburg, marking the victory of Emperor Charles V (r. 1516–1556) in the Schmalkaldic War (1546–1547) by attempting to impose a religious reconciliation between followers of Martin Luther and the Catholic Church. Charles, also king of Spain, was beset by problems throughout his European possessions, stemming largely from the Reformation. The Interim was one effort to control these problems. The purpose of the document was to create a temporary compromise, to promote religious and political stability while waiting for a more definitive statement from the Council of Trent (which was in session at the time). The provisional nature did nothing to lessen Protestant fears of attempting to suppress dissent or to dampen concerns on the part of some Catholics that heresy was going unpunished; instead, it hardened divisions. Its failures contributed to a breakdown in Habsburg authority in central Europe.

Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationJohn Calvin in Context- Part IV - The Religious Question
Pages190-197
Number of pages8
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2019

Disciplines

  • History

Keywords

  • Charles V
  • Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain
  • Maurice of Saxony
  • compromise
  • justification
  • sacraments

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