Duke Albrecht’s Apologies
Duke Albrecht’s Apologies

Summary/Abstract: The article examines the consequences of the Treaty of Cracow in 1525. It shows how the resulting conflict between the Teutonic Order and Duke Albrecht of Prussia is reflected in his justification writings for the Imperial Diets, where political and confessional disputes were fought. The four apologies of 1526, 1530, 1531, and 1532 (in German and Latin transcripts) demonstrate Duke Albrecht’s argumentation structure in his defence against the accusations of the German Land Master of the Teutonic Order, whereby the religious arguments diminished over time. The article illustrates how Duke Albrecht attempted to act tactically and adapt to the prevailing mood in the Holy Roman Empire, while also engaging with the Polish royal court. The 2009 edition of the apologies is taken as the starting point of the investigation.

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