Christian Cyclopedia

(Moritz; 1521–53). Duke of Saxony 1541–53; in return for guarantee of territory (protectorate of the bishoprics of Magdeburg and Halberstadt) and the title of elector, he helped Charles* V crush John* Frederick, his (Maurice's) cousin; tried to find common ground bet. Charles V and the Prot. states in the Leipzig Interim (see Interim, II); feared growing power of Charles V; angered at harsh treatment of his father-in-law, Philip* of Hesse; turned against Charles V, defeated him at Innsbruck, Austria, and forced him to agree to the terms of the convention of Passau*; died at Sievershausen, Ger., in battle against Albert,* Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach, who had refused to agree to the convention of Passau.