Capitulation of Wittenberg facts for kids
The Capitulation of Wittenberg (German: Wittenberger Kapitulation) was an important agreement signed on 19 May 1547. In this treaty, John Frederick I, Elector of Saxony, had to give up his title as an important ruler, known as an elector.
Because of this agreement, the Electorate of Saxony and most of John Frederick's lands, including the city of Wittenberg, were passed from his family branch (the Ernestine line) to another branch of the same family, the Albertine line of the House of Wettin.
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Wittenberg and the Reformation
Wittenberg was a very important city during the Protestant Reformation. This was a major religious movement that changed Christianity in Europe.
Martin Luther's Actions
In 1517, Martin Luther famously posted his 95 ideas against Indulgences on the door of the castle church in Wittenberg. This act is seen as the start of the Reformation. Later, in 1520, Luther burned a special letter from the Pope that criticized him. Also, the first Lutheran Bible was printed in Wittenberg in 1534.
Saxony's Role
The Elector of Saxony was a strong supporter of Martin Luther and the Lutheran Reformation. This made the Electorate of Saxony a key place for the new religious ideas to grow.
The Battle and Its Outcome
In 1547, Emperor Charles V fought against the Protestant rulers. With help from the Duke of Alva, Emperor Charles V captured Wittenberg after a battle called the Battle of Mühlberg. During this battle, John Frederick I was taken prisoner.
John Frederick's Fate
The Duke of Alva held a special court and decided that John Frederick should be put to death. To save his life, John Frederick agreed to the Capitulation of Wittenberg. He gave up his rule and his lands to his relative, Maurice of Saxony. Because of this, his death sentence was changed to being held prisoner for life.
Return to Saxony
However, John Frederick was set free on 1 September 1552. He returned to Saxony in a grand procession. He then moved the main government seat to Weimar.
Wittenberg's Decline
After 1547, Wittenberg became less important. The city of Dresden, where the Albertine dukes lived, became the new capital of Saxony instead.
