1578 in the Holy Roman Empire

upright=1.35|thumb|Alteratie of Amsterdam, in Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft and Geeraert Brandt: Nederlandsche historien. The Alteratie (Eng: Alteration) is the name given to the change of power in Amsterdam on May 26, 1578, when the Catholic city government was deposed in favor of a Protestant one. The coup should be seen in the context of the greater Dutch Revolt that was breaking out in this time. Trade interests played an important role, because Amsterdam was becoming isolated as surrounding cities and towns joined the revolt, and other cities were threatening to take over its trade. No one wa