Topic A – The New Imperial Constitution

The Peace of Augsburg and the Golden Bull of 1356 had been the central treatises on religious and political authority within the Holy Roman Empire respectively. Now, it is evident that they alone cannot maintain stability across the Empire. The key tenets of the Augsburgian Settlement must be reformed, along with the status of the Calvinist faith, must be reformed for any sort of peace. Furthermore, delegates will have to navigate the political authority of minor princes and prince-electors as the war further separates the protestant princes from Habsburg authority. However, with the current absence of one central authority, others may decide to reach deeper into imperial affairs.

Topic B – A Balancing Act

The Treaty of Barwalde and the subsequent agreement at Compiegne has now forever changed the face of European diplomacy. Now, with the end of the war, all agreements must consider the possibility of hegemony from the Great powers of Europe. Thus, as delegates resolve territorial disputes, distribute war reparations, satisfy the varying war aims of its belligerents, and finally bring peace to the continent, they must also consider how it may impact the balance of powers. Behind the balance, however, should always remain a keen understanding of their nation’s interests and ambition to pursue them.