What was a key provision of the Peace of Augsburg of 1555?

The Peace of Augsburg, signed in 1555, was a significant treaty that addressed the religious divisions within the Holy Roman Empire following the rise of Protestantism. One of its key provisions was the official recognition of Lutheranism as a legitimate religion alongside Catholicism. This meant that rulers within the empire were given the right to determine the religion of their own territories, effectively recognizing the coexistence of the Catholic and Lutheran faiths.

This provision marked a critical turning point in the Reformation, as it not only provided a measure of religious tolerance but also legitimized the various Protestant branches emerging during that period. The recognition helped to stabilize regions within the empire that had experienced intense conflict over religious practices. By acknowledging Lutheranism, the Peace of Augsburg laid the groundwork for future discussions about religious freedom and helped carve out a place for Protestant beliefs in the complex religious landscape of Europe.