The Letter of Majesty was a pivotal document issued by Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II in 1609, addressing the growing religious tensions in the Habsburg dominions, particularly in the Kingdom of Bohemia. At the time, the region was experiencing significant unrest due to the ongoing Protestant Reformation, which had led to divisions between the Catholic majority and the growing Protestant population. The issuance of the Letter signified a notable attempt to alleviate these tensions by granting certain freedoms to the Protestant citizens of Bohemia, allowing them to practice their faith without fear of persecution or harassment from the authorities.

The decree explicitly allowed for the construction of Protestant churches, the provision for religious services, and the establishment of a system of governance that included Protestant representatives. The backdrop of this event was marked by the increasing assertiveness of Protestant nobles in Bohemia, who were pressing for greater religious rights and autonomy in the face of the Catholic Habsburg authorities. By taking this step, Rudolf II aimed to foster unity and stability within his diverse realm, hoping also to mitigate resistance against Habsburg rule.

However, the Letter of Majesty would only temporarily quell religious conflicts in the region. It was met with mixed responses, as hardline Catholic factions viewed it as a significant challenge to their authority. This concession sparked further religious and political strife, ultimately setting the stage for greater conflicts in the coming decades, including the Thirty Years' War. The implications of the Letter stretched far beyond its immediate effects, influencing the course of religious tolerance in Europe and altering the dynamics between the Catholic Church and Protestant factions permanently.