Question

Explain how the Peace of Augsburg, the Edict of Nantes, and the Peace of Westphalia all strengthened secular rulers.
(4 points) answer as a 7-8th grader in 2-5 sentences

Answer 1

The Peace of Augsburg, the Edict of Nantes, and the Peace of Westphalia all helped secular rulers gain more power by allowing them to decide the religion of their own states. The Peace of Augsburg, for example, let German princes choose between Catholicism and Lutheranism, strengthening their control. Similarly, the Edict of Nantes gave French rulers the authority to manage religious differences in their country. Lastly, the Peace of Westphalia ended the Thirty Years' War and recognized the authority of different rulers over their territories, allowing them to govern more independently.