John Frederick I of Saxony

ModernEmperorSaxony1503 — 1554

The Magnanimous, last Ernestine elector.

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Quick Facts

Born

1503

Died

1554

Country

Saxony

Era

Modern

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)50

Political (20%)39

Influence (20%)52

Legacy (20%)43

Leadership (15%)62

Strategy (15%)25

Total Score46.5

John Frederick I of Saxony — Complete Timeline

1532 AD

Became Elector of SaxonyPolitical Action◆ Major

John Frederick I succeeded his father John the Constant as Elector of Saxony, becoming the head of the Ernestine line. He inherited a leading role in the Schmalkaldic League and the defense of Lutheranism in the Holy Roman Empire.

ElectorateSuccession

Impact: regional

1542 AD

Led the Schmalkaldic LeaguePolitical Action◆ Major

John Frederick I became the military leader of the Schmalkaldic League, the Protestant alliance against Emperor Charles V. He commanded the league's forces in several campaigns, including the conquest of the Duchy of Brunswick-Wolfenb

Schmalkaldic LeagueLeadership

Impact: regional

1547 AD

Defeated at the Battle of MühlbergWar◆ Major

John Frederick I was decisively defeated and captured by Imperial forces under Charles V at the Battle of M

Schmalkaldic WarDefeat

Impact: regionaltragic

Lost the Electorate to Maurice of SaxonyPolitical Action◆ Major

After his capture at M

Capitulation of WittenbergLoss of Power

Impact: regionaldestructive

Imprisoned by Charles VPolitical Action◆ Major

John Frederick I was imprisoned by Emperor Charles V after the Battle of M

ImprisonmentReligious Conviction

Impact: regionaltragic

1552 AD

Released under the Treaty of PassauPolitical Action◆ Major

John Frederick I was released from Imperial imprisonment as part of the Treaty of Passau, which granted religious toleration to Lutherans. He returned to his reduced territories but never regained the electoral title, dying in 1554.

Treaty of PassauRelease

Impact: regionalconstructive