Northeastern and northwestern Germany and large parts…

Northeastern and northwestern Germany and large parts of southern Germany have become Protestant by 1545.

Despite the significant victory over the Protestants at the Battle of Muhlberg in 1547, Charles still is not powerful enough to impose his will on the German princes.

By the early 1550s, it is apparent that a negotiated settlement is necessary; the Peace of Augsburg is signed in 1555.

The settlement, which represents a victory for the princes, grants recognition to both Lutheranism and Roman Catholicism in Germany, and each ruler gains the right to decide the religion to be practiced within his state.

Subjects not of this faith can move to another state with their property, and disputes between the religions are to be settled in court.