League of Torgau
Encyclopedia
The League of Torgau was an alliance of Protestant princes, including Philip of Hesse and John of Saxony
, which was formed in 1526 by Lutheran
princes within the Holy Roman Empire
, to oppose the terms set forth in the Edict of Worms. Because it had no substantial military
, it was unable to achieve religious or political influence. 1531 saw the formation of the Schmalkaldic League
, a similar alliance but which included an army of 10,000 infantry
and 2,000 cavalry
. This league lasted for sixteen years and was more successful in reaching its demands. The League of Torgau was set up soon after the Imperial Diet of Speyer.
John, Elector of Saxony
John of Saxony , known as John the Steadfast or John the Constant, was Elector of Saxony from 1525 until 1532...
, which was formed in 1526 by Lutheran
Lutheranism
Lutheranism is a major branch of Western Christianity that identifies with the theology of Martin Luther, a German reformer. Luther's efforts to reform the theology and practice of the church launched the Protestant Reformation...
princes within the Holy Roman Empire
Holy Roman Empire
The Holy Roman Empire was a realm that existed from 962 to 1806 in Central Europe.It was ruled by the Holy Roman Emperor. Its character changed during the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period, when the power of the emperor gradually weakened in favour of the princes...
, to oppose the terms set forth in the Edict of Worms. Because it had no substantial military
Military
A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
, it was unable to achieve religious or political influence. 1531 saw the formation of the Schmalkaldic League
Schmalkaldic League
The Schmalkaldic League was a defensive alliance of Lutheran princes within the Holy Roman Empire during the mid-16th century. Although originally started for religious motives soon after the start of the Protestant Reformation, its members eventually intended for the League to replace the Holy...
, a similar alliance but which included an army of 10,000 infantry
Infantry
Infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face and have historically borne the brunt of the casualties of combat in wars. As the oldest branch of combat arms, they are the backbone of armies...
and 2,000 cavalry
Cavalry
Cavalry or horsemen were soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback. Cavalry were historically the third oldest and the most mobile of the combat arms...
. This league lasted for sixteen years and was more successful in reaching its demands. The League of Torgau was set up soon after the Imperial Diet of Speyer.