THirty Years' War

What was the Thirty Years’ War?

A religious & political war (1618-1648) fought mainly in Central Europe (Holy Roman Empire).

What were the two main opposing alliances?

Catholic League (Habsburgs, Spain, Austria) vs. Protestant Union (Sweden, France, Denmark, England).

What were the main causes of the war?

Religious tensions (Catholics vs. Protestants), power struggle in Europe (France vs. Habsburgs), and territorial conflicts.

What treaty ended the war?

Peace of Westphalia (1648).

What event triggered the Thirty Years’ War?

The Second Defenestration of Prague (1618) – Protestants threw Catholic officials out of a window.

Who was the Protestant leader of Bohemia?

Frederick V (Winter King).

What battle ended the Bohemian Revolt?

Battle of White Mountain (1620) – Catholics won.

Who fought during the Palatinate phase?

Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II vs. Frederick V (Winter King)

What was the outcome of the Palatinate Phase?

Frederick V lost his lands, and the Protestant Union collapsed.

Which Protestant country entered the war to help fellow Protestants?

Denmark (King Christian IV).

Why did Denmark fail?

The Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II's army, led by General Wallenstein, crushed them.

What law did Ferdinand II issue in 1629?

Edict of Restitution – Forced Protestants to return Catholic lands.

Who was the King of Sweden who led the Protestant forces?

Gustavus Adolphus.

Why was Sweden successful?

Superior military tactics & mobile artillery.

What happened to Gustavus Adolphus?

He was killed at the Battle of Lützen (1632).

Why did France enter the war if it was Catholic?

To weaken the Habsburgs and expand its own power.

Who was the main French leader behind this strategy?

Cardinal Richelieu.

What was the final major battle of the war?

Battle of Rocroi (1643) – French defeated the Spanish.

What did the Peace of Westphalia establish?

Ended the Thirty Years’ War, recognized sovereignty of states, allowed religious tolerance.

Which two countries gained the most from the war?

France & Sweden.

Which country lost the most power?

Habsburg-controlled Holy Roman Empire.

What two countries gained independence?

Netherlands & Switzerland.

How did the war change European politics?

Led to the modern system of independent nation-states.

What was the war’s impact on Germany?

Mass destruction, depopulation (millions died from war, famine, disease).

What was the impact on religion in Europe?

Weakened Catholic dominance, legalized Calvinism & Lutheranism.

How did military strategies change after the war?

Use of professional armies instead of mercenaries.

Which European power became dominant after the war?

France

Who was the leader of the Catholic Holy Roman Empire during the war?

Ferdinand II.

Who led the Protestant Swedish forces?

Gustavus Adolphus.

Who was the main political strategist behind France’s involvement?

Cardinal Richelieu.

What year did the war begin?

1618.

What year did the war end?

1648