Reichsabschied

German Diet resolution

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July 13, 2026

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The Reichsabschied was the final resolution of the Holy Roman Empire's Diet, a legislative body that existed from the 12th century to 1806. The Diet was composed of three colleges: the electoral college, the college of princes, and the college of cities. Decisions were made separately by these colleges and then combined into a resolution, the text of which was sent to the emperor. The emperor could ratify or reject the entire recess but could not alter its wording. By the 17th century, the Diet's effective legal power had diminished, and after the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, it became an assembly of sovereign princes rather than a unified legislative body. The Holy Roman Empire ultimately collapsed under Napoleon's attack in 1806.12

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Diet
…“recess of the empire” (Reichsabschied). The emperor could ratify part of the recess or the whole of it, but he could not modify the words of the recess. Until the 17th century the Diet possessed effective legal power, including the decision of war or peace, but the Peace of…
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…“recess of the empire” (Reichsabschied). The emperor could ratify part of the recess or the whole of it, but he could not modify the words of the recess. Until the 17th century the Diet possessed effective legal power, including the decision of war or peace, but the Peace of…
Read More