The Treaty of Augsburg, signed in 1555, was an important agreement that aimed to resolve religious conflicts in the Holy Roman Empire. It allowed each prince to choose either Lutheranism or Catholicism as the official faith of their territory, promoting a degree of religious tolerance. This treaty marked a significant step towards the recognition of Protestantism within the empire. The treaty was a response to the Reformation, a movement that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. By establishing the principle of "cuius regio, eius religio," the Treaty of Augsburg helped to reduce tensions between Catholics and Protestants, although it did not eliminate religious strife in Europe.