xplain how the Peace of Augsburg, the Edict of Nantes, and the Peace of Westphalia all strengthened secular rulers.
1. The Peace of Augsburg (1555) granted secular rulers the right to choose the religion of their territories, either Catholicism or Lutheranism. This principle of "cuius regio, eius religio" (whose realm, his religion) solidified the power of secular rulers over their territories, as they could now dictate the religious beliefs of their subjects. By giving rulers control over religious matters, the Peace of Augsburg strengthened their authority and independence from the Catholic Church.
2. The Edict of Nantes (1598) issued by King Henry IV of France granted religious toleration to the Protestant Huguenots. This edict helped to end the Wars of Religion in France and allowed for coexistence between Catholics and Protestants. By granting religious freedom within his kingdom, Henry IV strengthened his own authority and consolidated power as a secular ruler, rather than being subjected to the religious dictates of the Catholic Church.
3. The Peace of Westphalia (1648) concluded the Thirty Years' War and recognized the principle of territorial sovereignty. This treaty established the idea that each sovereign ruler had the right to govern their territory without interference from external powers. By recognizing the independence and autonomy of secular rulers, the Peace of Westphalia further strengthened their authority and allowed for greater control over their own territories without interference from religious institutions or other external forces.