Karikov S. The Lutheran Confessionalization in the Policy of Saxon Rulers in 1525–1580s

The object of the research: Reformation and confessionalization in Germany as interconnected processes of modernization of the society of the Early Modern Age. The purpose of the research:definition of the place of Lutheran confessionalization in the formation of the land state of Saxony of the Early Modern Age. The methods: historical, logical, method of system analysis; historical-typological, historical-genetic, historical-comparative, diachronic, synchronous. Scientific novelty: it is proved, that in the policy of August I the desire to preserve the achievements of the Augsburg Peace was combined with harsh actions against opponents, aimed at strengthening personal power, evidencing the authoritarian character of the August course; the role of visitation in the strengthening of the control of rulers over the activity of the church organization is newly revealed; it is proved, that in Saxony there was a scheme of conducting of visitation, taken over in other regions; revised the content of the Saxon evangelical ordinance of 1580 and proved, that he met the interests of territorial rulers, who were interested in subordinating the church and education to their influence; it has been determined, that under the influence of confessionalization educational institutions in Saxony created a system of education, based on unification of programs, provision of regulation, strengthening control over teaching and learning. Practical value of research is to use the materials of the dissertation for the preparation of generalization works, textbooks, manuals, general courses, special courses on the history of Germany, the Reformation and confessionalization. Sphere of use: higher educational institutions.