1. Central European Monarchs Clash

2. The Thirty Years’ War
A conflict over religion, over territory, & for power among European ruling families
Began when Ferdinand II (the Holy Roman Emperor) closed some Protestant churches & the protestants revolted
The war causes great destruction.
The Peace of Westphalia ends the war and begins the modern state system.

4. Central Europe Differs from the West
The formation of states in central Europe occurs more slowly than in western Europe.
Central European nobles hold down serfs and block the development of strong kings.
The Holy Roman Empire loses strength after the Thirty Years’ War, but Austria remains a powerful force in central Europe thanks to the Hapsburgs.

6. Prussia and Austria
Under Hohenzollern rule, Prussia challenges Austrian power in central Europe.
Prussian rulers Frederick William and Frederick the Great forge a military state that limits the power of the nobles.
Austria, France, & Russia form an alliance against Prussia & Britain and fight the Seven Years’ War; Britain is the main winner.

8. Group Activity
Imagine you are reporters covering the Thirty Years’ War for a newsmagazine.
Within a group of 5, each student must research and write an article on one of these topics:
origins and beginning of the war
countries and alliances
military tactics and battles
social and economic effects
political effects.
Combine your articles and edit for style and clarity.