Albert de Brandenburg-Ansbach and the secularization of the Teutonic Order in Prussia

The decision to secularize the Prussian territory of the Teutonic order was taken by the great master Albert of Brandenburg-Ansbach on Luther's advice and was prepared by a rather long process. Throughout the fifteenth century, the former missionary zeal disappeared. Imperial noble families held the Order for a social institution allowing them to establish their younger sons. The treaty of 1466 inflicted by the Polish Crown and the increasing difficulties the Order had led its main officers to turn to princely younger sons to improve its situation and try to escape Polish suzerainty. Adapted from the source document.