Letter of Majesty facts for kids
The Letter of Majesty was an important document from the 1600s. It was signed in 1609 by the Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II. This letter gave people in Bohemia the freedom to practice their own religion. Both Protestants and Catholics were allowed to worship as they chose.
The Letter of Majesty also created a special church for Protestants in Bohemia. This church was managed by the local leaders of the region. A similar letter was also given to the people in Silesia.
Contents
Why Was the Letter of Majesty Important?
The Letter of Majesty was very important because it tried to bring peace between different religious groups. In those times, religious differences often led to wars and conflicts. This document was a big step towards allowing people to have religious freedom.
What Happened After the Letter?
In 1611, something strange happened. Emperor Rudolf II allowed his cousin, Leopold, to invade Bohemia with about 7,000 soldiers. The people of Bohemia did not like this. A strong Bohemian army fought back and pushed Leopold's troops away from Prague.
After this, the leaders of Bohemia decided they wanted a new ruler. They asked Matthias, who was also a Holy Roman Emperor, to take over the government of their kingdom. This event showed that the Bohemian leaders had a lot of power and could make big decisions for their land.
Images for kids
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This is a copy of the Letter of Majesty from 1609.
See also
In Spanish: Carta de Majestad para niños
