John Frederick, Elector of Saxony

Johann Friedrich I, Elector of Saxony (30 June 1503 - 3 March 1554), called John the Magnanimous, was head of the Protestant Confederation of Germany (the Schmalkaldic League), "Champion of the Reformation". He was the son of John the Steadfast of Saxony and born in Torgau, Germany.

Final Days

The sudden attack upon the emperor by Elector Maurice made an end of John Frederick's imprisonment, and he was released on September 1, 1552. He firmly refused to bind himself to comply in matters of religion with the decisions of a future council or diet, declaring that he was resolved to adhere until his grave to the doctrine contained in the Augsburg Confession. His homeward journey was a triumphal march. He removed the seat of government to Weimar and reformed the conditions of his country, but died within two years. A special object of his care was the University of Jena, which he planned in place of Wittenberg, which he had lost (1547). He died in Weimar, Germany.

Related Topics:
September 1 - 1552 - University of Jena - Weimar, Germany

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