Evaluate the role of the Peace of Augsburg in resolving religious conflict.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the role of the Peace of Augsburg, weighing up the strengths and limitations in resolving religious conflict. Candidates may refer to the important part it played in relieving some of the religious tension and in producing a certain level of tolerance. Some may argue the importance of allowing German princes to decide their religious affiliations in the sovereign territories and the fact that it did maintain the peace and save the Holy Roman Empire from serious internal conflict. Candidates may also refer to its limitations, for example, legalizing but not accepting all religious practices within the Protestant traditions, which can be considered a cause of the Thirty Years’ War. Some may argue that the Peace of Augsburg did not address the important issue of reparations for some of the territorial possessions or ecclesiastical lands of Catholics in Lutheran territories. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the role of the Peace of Augsburg, weighing up the strengths and limitations in resolving religious conflict.