Schmalkaldic League

Definition

The Schmalkaldic League was a defensive alliance formed by Lutheran princes within the Holy Roman Empire during mid-16th century to defend themselves against Emperor Charles V's drive to re-Catholicize Germany.

Analogy

Consider this league as a group chat among friends who band together against a school bully trying to impose his rules on everyone else.

Related terms

Charles V: He was Holy Roman Emperor from 1519-1556. Like a CEO trying to maintain control over all branches of his company despite internal disagreements.

Lutheranism: A major branch of Protestant Christianity that identifies with theology of Martin Luther. It’s like one specific genre within music industry having its own unique style and characteristics distinct from others.

Peace Of Augsburg: A treaty between Charles V and the forces of the Schmalkaldic League in 1555 which officially recognized Lutheranism. It's like a peace treaty ending a war, with both sides agreeing to respect each other's territories.