Christian Cyclopedia

Charles* V was ready, when necessary or desirable, to follow a policy of reconciliation toward Prots. (see also Regensburg Conference). But when the Council of Trent* made reconciliation impossible, he moved to destroy the Schmalkaldic* League. John* Frederick (“the Magnanimous”) and Philip* of Hesse were put under the ban 1546 and defeated at Mühlberg 1547. The league was dissolved and the Augsburg and Leipzig Interim* imposed. But the purpose of the league was attained as follows: The Interim was to be enforced by Maurice* of Saxony, who turned against Charles V 1552 and, with help of Fr., forced him to sign the convention of Passau.* See also Alva, Duke of. TH