The Swabian League was a defensive alliance formed in 1488 among several cities and territories in the region of Swabia in present-day Germany. Its primary purpose was to protect its members from external threats and to maintain peace and order within the region. The league included important cities like Ulm and Augsburg and was instrumental in local governance and military cooperation. The league played a significant role in the political landscape of Holy Roman Empire during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. It often engaged in conflicts with other leagues and factions, notably the Franconian League. The Swabian League's influence waned over time, especially with the rise of centralized powers and the Reformation.