The 30 Years' War Flashcards
Overview of 30 Years’ War
1618-1648
Frederick IV’s Protestant Union (including England and Catholic France) vs. Catholic League of Duke Maximilian of Bavaria (mainly Spanish-HRE)
Origins of 30 Years’ War
Peace of Augsburg didn’t include Calvinists, particularly in Bohemia
poverty and inflation
What upset the Bohemian Calvinists?
Ferdinand II, heir to the HRE, ascends Bohemian throne and forces return to Catholicism
What happened in 1618 that began war?
Bohemian Revolt sparked by the Defenestration of Prague– Protestants throw Catholic leaders onto dung heap.
Bohemian revolt (1618-1625)
Bohemians call to Frederick V (head of Protestant Union) for help, but the German states are routed
Who intervened and why when the Bohemians failed?
Protestant Denmark and Sweden did in fear of their religion. Denmark get wrecked. Sweden fought well, but eventually called a truce when both sides lost leaders.
Gustavus Adolfus
1635-1648
King of Sweden and began Sweden as great power
Lion of the North and Golden King–great military
Who intervened and why when the Protestants failed?
Cardinal of Richelieu ( ministerof France during reign of Louis XIII) wants to weaken Habsburgs and take Alsace
French intervention
Success in Spain, but Leader of HRE (Ferdinand II) and Louis XIII die (5 year old Louis XIV)
France almost conquered and lose young king!?
Peace Treaty
Peace of Westphalia 1648 Dutch and Swiss officially independent Expanded Peace of Augsburg to include Calvinists France annexed Alsace HRE fragmented--only an empire in name
Why was the war very beneficial to France
France annexed Alsace and signed treaty of the Pyrenees with isolated Spain–Louis XIV married Maria Theresa and had a chance to dominate Europe
Results of War
4-8 million deaths, 40% of Germans
Civilian lives and property lost due to cruel and greedy mercenaries
Refugees crowd into cities–disease and famine
