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Treaty of Vienna (1606) facts for kids

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1606 Treaty of Vienna at Reformation Wall in Geneva
The first words of the Treaty of Vienna are shown on the Reformation Wall in Geneva.

The Treaty of Vienna was an important agreement signed on June 23, 1606. It was a peace deal between Stephen Bocskay, who was the Prince of Transylvania, and Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor. This treaty helped to bring peace and set rules for how people lived in certain parts of Europe.

This agreement gave many rights to the Hungarian people. These rights included their ability to govern themselves and practice their religion freely. This was true for Hungarians living in both Transylvania and a region called Royal Hungary.

For example, in a city named Sopron, the treaty said that Hungarian Lutherans could lead themselves. In Transylvania, people who followed Calvinism were given the freedom to practice their religion without trouble. The treaty also officially recognized Stephen Bocskay as the leader of Transylvania. It promised that people in Transylvania would be able to choose their own leaders in the future.

This treaty was very important for Calvinists in Hungary and Transylvania. Because of its importance, the first sentences of the treaty are shown on the Reformation Wall in Geneva. This wall is a special monument that honors key people from the Protestant Reformation. Stephen Bocskay's statue is also there.

Stephen Bocskay had asked the Ottoman Empire for help before this treaty. Because of this, another peace agreement followed the Treaty of Vienna. This was the Peace of Zsitvatorok. It was signed later in 1606 between Sultan Ahmed I and Archduke Matthias of Austria.

What Was the Treaty of Vienna?

The Treaty of Vienna was a peace agreement. It was signed in 1606. This treaty aimed to solve problems between different groups. It especially focused on religious freedom and political rights.

Who Signed the Treaty?

The main people who signed the treaty were Stephen Bocskay and Rudolf II.

  • Stephen Bocskay was a Hungarian nobleman. He became the Prince of Transylvania. He fought for the rights of Hungarians.
  • Rudolf II was the Holy Roman Emperor. He was a powerful ruler in Europe.

Why Was the Treaty Needed?

Before the treaty, there was a lot of fighting. This fighting was about religion and power. Hungarians wanted more freedom. They wanted to choose their own leaders. They also wanted to practice their own religions. The treaty helped to stop some of these conflicts.

Key Parts of the Agreement

The Treaty of Vienna had several important points. These points changed life for many people.

Rights for Hungarians

The treaty gave Hungarians more rights. They gained more control over their own government. This was a big step for them.

Religious Freedom

One of the most important parts was religious freedom.

  • In Sopron, Lutherans could practice their faith freely. They could also choose their own leaders.
  • In Transylvania, Calvinists were given religious tolerance. This meant they could practice their religion without fear.

Stephen Bocskay's Role

The treaty officially recognized Stephen Bocskay. He became the Prince of Transylvania. This was a big win for him and his supporters. It also said that Transylvanians could choose their own princes in the future. This gave them more independence.

How Did the Treaty Affect History?

The Treaty of Vienna was a significant event. It helped shape the future of Hungary and Transylvania.

Connection to the Reformation Wall

The treaty's importance for Calvinists is remembered on the Reformation Wall. This monument shows how important religious freedom was during that time. It reminds people of the struggles and victories of the Protestant Reformation.

Link to the Ottoman Empire

Stephen Bocskay had sought help from the Ottoman Empire. This led to another treaty later in 1606. This was the Peace of Zsitvatorok. It was a peace deal between the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburgs. This shows how different powers were connected in Europe at that time.

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