The Thirty Years War
Warm Up: Copy down these terms and leave space next to each to fill in notes. Key names, terms, and events: Defenestration of Prague Ferdinand II Frederick V Christian IV Wallenstein Edict of Restitution Cardinal Richelieu Gustavus Adolphus Peace of Westphalia Results/Effects of the War on Europe
The Thirty Years War
The Thirty Years War is complex. But the main conflict was between the different states who had religious differences. Here ’ s the basics before we get started…
It was a war over Catholic-Protestant Issues
And it was a war between the Hapsburg empire and the various German states
Various countries from outside the region interfered or actively fought in the war. Millions are dead by the time it ends. Most of the fighting will be done in Germany.
France supported the Protestant states in order to keep Germany weak, disunited, and weaken the Habsburg Empire
Sweden and Denmark fought to support the Protestant cause
Mercenaries from all over Europe joined the different stages of the war.
The result was wide spread devastation and destruction—the most destructive war up to this point in history.
So let ’ s get started…
The war begins with the Defenestration of Prague (1618)
Defenester: To throw out window First Defenestration of Prague occurred when supporters of martyred Jan Huss threw out members of the council onto barbed pikes below. Several were killed. (1417)
The two Catholic emissaries were thrown out the window, after a heated argument with Bohemian Protestant leaders Phase 1 of the war now begins: The Bohemia Phase ( )
The newest Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand II, moves into Bohemia to restore order and authority. He is a devout Catholic.
Bohemia looks for help from the Protestant Elector Frederick V to defend their cause. Frederick will be up against the emperor, Ferdinand.
Frederick leaves his home in the Palatine (Rhineland) to help defend Bohemia!
Side note: Frederick was married to Elizabeth Stuart, daughter of James I of England.
Catholic Bavaria is in relation to Bohemia
Frederick will flee after his defeat by the forces of Catholic Bavaria at White Mountain.
After victory at Bohemia, Ferdinand re- enforces his empire with Spanish troops. The Spaniards flood into the Catholic German States. Ferdinand, Holy Roman Empire, and the Habsburgs win first stage of war
Group Questions 1. What incident caused the war? 2. Who won the first stage of the war? –The Catholics or the Protestants?
Phase 2: The Danish Phase ( ) Ferdinand is elected as Holy Roman Emperor again. He confiscates the lands of the Bohemian nobles who had joined Frederick ’ s cause Jesuits stream into Bohemia to re-convert the Protestants
The Protestant Cause will now be taken up by the King of Denmark, Christian IV, in He enters the fight with a little aid from the Protestant leaders of England and Holland
Ferdinand appoints a new army to counteract the Danish threat. He appoints Albert of Wallenstein known as “ Wallenstein. ”
Wallenstein, a former Protestant, recruits and develops a professional army— answerable to him, only. He quickly defeats the Danish in 1629.
After the Danes are defeated, an Edict of Restitution (1629) is declared. This means that all church territories, that were allowed to be Protestant under the Peace of Augsburg (1555) are now Catholic again.
Group Questions 3. Why is the Edict of Restitution such an important declaration? What might happen as a result of it? 4. Who was the leader of Denmark? -Christian IV or Wallenstein? 5. Who was the leader of the Catholic army appointed by Ferdinand -Christian IV or Wallenstein?
Phase 3: The Swedish Phase ( ) After the Danish Defeat, the Catholics swarm over protestant Germany. The Augsburg peace is ignored It seems as if the Reformation will be undone.
Enter Gustavus Adolphus... Gustavus Adolphus was king of Sweden He was busy fighting Poland Cardinal Richelieu, the Bishop of France, lures Adolphus into taking up the Protestant cause.
Gustavus is busy Fighting the Poles, but Richelieu persuades him To take up the Protestant Cause. He does. Richelieu sends money to Sweden
Hence, Catholic Bishop Richelieu of Catholic France aids Protestants against the Catholic Holy Roman Empire
Richelieu, you are the ultimate backstabber… Why thank you, Mr. Lawson, but you see, I can get others to fight my wars for me, while I continue to strengthen France.
Gustavus Adolphus leaves his fighting in Poland and now takes the leadership against the Catholics
Who was Gustavus Adolphus? He was a brilliant leader He was courageous He organized the most modern army of its time
Under his leadership, Sweden wins victories. Sadly, Adolphus is killed at the battle of Lutzen in 1632.
Gustavus Adolphus remains a great historical figure and a Swedish National Hero.
After the Gustavus ’ death, this stage of the war weakens Wallenstein himself refuses to fight the Swedes because he is furious about the Spanish troops in Germany. He actually enters into secret talks with the Protestants. Wallenstein is a loose cannon, and his men are becoming disloyal and will attack anyone…
Including him… Wallenstein is assassinated by his own men.
Group Questions 6. What is one example of how this war is becoming less about religion and more about political motives? 7. Who was Gustavus Adolphus?
Phase 3 (continued): The Swedish & French Phase ( ) This time, Richelieu comes out clearly on the side of the Protestants and supports the Swedes. France officially joins the Protestant cause.
When France joins, the Spanish retaliate! They sweep down from the Spanish Netherlands and attack France!
When the Spanish attack, France moves toward Spain! French troops move into Catalonia spreading devastation. Spanish Troops attack from France from the Spanish Netherlands France retaliates by attacking Catalonia, Spain
Tides turn… The powers were too stacked up against the Holy Roman Empire and Austrian Habsburgs –Richelieu and France work against the Catholic Church –Adolphus ’ s army beats Wallenstein ’ s army –French forces handily beat the Spanish
Germans view all this interference from Spain, Sweden, France, and think: “ Get Out! ”
The Peace of Westphalia This becomes a huge peace conference The church (pope) is not involved, nor does the pope sign the treaties Calvinism is added to the mix: now there is Lutheranism, Catholicism, and Calvinism
Results of The Peace of Westphalia…
The Holy Roman Empire ’ s power dissolves
New state system set up in Europe
States of Germany now have stronger individual rights: Germany remains weak and divided.
Between 3-7 million died in the Thirty Years War
Germany was physically devastated by the war
Germany ’ s separate states will hinder trade and progress for many years. It will not fully unite until 1870.
England, Holland, and France will take the lead in European trade, culture and politics
Effects of The 30 Years War: It started as a religious war, but quickly turns into a political battle Ends period of religious conflict –Religious lines are drawn –Catholics and Protestants mostly at peace after this France comes out on top –Stronger, more powerful than ever before The Holy Roman Empire ’ s political power in central Europe dissolves The Habsburgs are doomed –Decline begins for once super-powerful family New state system emerges –Marks the beginning of “ modern Europe ”
Group Questions #8-10: List 3 results/effects of the Thirty Years War on Europe. 8. ??? 9. ??? 10. ???