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111-112 The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648)

Europe in 1570

  • The map illustrates Europe in 1570, showing various kingdoms and empires including the Kingdom of Norway, Kingdom of Sweden, Russia, Kingdom of Scotland, Kingdom of Denmark, Kingdom of England, Holy Roman Empire, Kingdom of France, Kingdom of Spain, and the Ottoman Empire.
  • It demarcates the boundary of the Holy Roman Empire, international boundaries, and other significant political entities.

Europe in 1648

  • This map contrasts with the map of 1570, displaying the altered political landscape of Europe in 1648 after the Thirty Years' War.
  • Key changes include the expansion of the Kingdom of Sweden, the independence of the Dutch Republic, and shifts in the Holy Roman Empire.

Map Detailing Regions within the Holy Roman Empire

  • A more detailed map focuses on the Holy Roman Empire, showcasing various duchies, bishoprics, counties, and free cities within the empire.
  • It identifies key players such as the Palatinate, Bavaria, Brandenburg, and Saxony, as well as ecclesiastical territories and Habsburg holdings.

Antagonists in the Thirty Years' War

  • Catholic League:
    • Austria
    • Spain
    • Bavaria (Southern Germany)
  • Anti-Imperial Confederation:
    • Sweden (Protestant)
    • Bohemia (Protestant)
    • England (Protestant)
    • Denmark (Protestant)
    • Dutch Republic (Protestant)
    • France (Catholic)
  • Elements of the Holy Roman Empire fought on both sides.

Causes of the War

  • The war began over religious differences between Protestants and Catholics.
  • It evolved into a broader struggle over the balance of power in Europe.
  • The Habsburg family, ruling in Austria and Spain, aimed for dominance in Europe.
  • The Bourbon family, ruling in France, allied with Protestant states to limit Habsburg power despite being Catholic.

The Habsburg Family

  • Controlled Austria, Spain, Southern Italy, and much of Central Europe.
  • Were staunchly Catholic.

Origins of the War

  • Started in the Holy Roman Empire, specifically Bohemia and Austria.
  • Long Term Cause: Religious tension between Protestants and Catholics within the Holy Roman Empire.
  • Spark: The Holy Roman Emperor attempted to curtail religious freedom, leading to a Protestant rebellion.

Bohemian Revolt

  • Ferdinand II (a Habsburg) invaded Bohemia in response to the rebellion.

Battle of White Mountain

  • Decisive Catholic victory in Bohemia.

Danish Phase

  • The Lutheran King of Denmark invaded the Holy Roman Empire to aid the Protestants.

BYE DANES!

  • The Danes are removed from war

Holy Roman Ballpark Update

  • Catholics: 2
  • Protestants: 0

Swedish Phase

  • Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden intervened in 1630.

Geopolitical Context of the Intervention

  • During the 17th century, boundaries were unstable due to dynastic and religious conflicts.
  • Germany's fragmented nature added to the confusion over political borders.

Gustavus Adolphus

  • King of Sweden and a Lutheran.
  • Known as the "Father of Modern Warfare."

Battle of Breitenfeld

  • September 17, 1631: A pivotal clash where Gustavus Adolphus led a Protestant force of 42,000 (Swedes - 24,000; Saxons - 18,000) against Tilly's Catholic army of 35,000.
  • Initial dispositions show the strategic positioning of troops near Breitenfeld and Leipzig.
  • Opening moves detail troop advancements and feints.
  • Mobile artillery played a crucial role in stopping attacks.
  • The battle culminated in the annihilation of Catholic forces.

Swedish Strategy

  • Swedish sword supported by French funds.

French Involvement

  • France, a Catholic country, supported the Protestant cause due to political considerations.
  • Cardinal Richelieu prioritized politics over religion (politique).
  • France viewed the Habsburgs as a significant political threat, aiming to maintain a balance of power in Europe.

Impact of Gustavus Adolphus' Death

  • Gustavus Adolphus' death in battle led to a decline in Sweden's active leadership role in the Protestant cause.

Holy Roman Ballpark Update

  • Catholics: 2
  • Protestants: 1

French Phase

  • With Sweden's decline, France stepped in directly with military support.

Shifting Alliances

  • Swedish stack combined with French fists.

Phases of the Thirty Years' War

  • Bohemian: Local & Religious
  • Danish: Religious
  • Swedish: Continental & Political
  • French: Political

Nature of the War

  • Large-scale battles led to massive death tolls.
  • The Battle of Breitenfeld resulted in the virtual annihilation of Catholic forces.
  • Central Europe was devastated, with approximately 20% of the German-speaking population dying from conflict, disease, and famine.
  • Civilians suffered immensely, exemplified by Catholic forces killing 25,000 out of 30,000 Protestants in Magdeburg.

War's Outcome

  • The war was largely inconclusive, with no clear victor.

Peace of Westphalia (1648)

  • Treaty of Westphalia aimed for mutual forgiveness and the cessation of hostilities.
  • It sought to put aside past insults, violent acts, and damages.

Impact of the Peace of Westphalia

  • Weakened the Holy Roman Emperor, granting independence to the princes within the empire.
  • The Dutch Netherlands gained independence.
  • France emerged as the dominant European power.
  • It established a Balance of Power

Political Outcomes

  • Holy Roman Empire: Weakened

Ascendant Power

  • France became an ascendant power.

Declining Power

  • HRE became a declining power

Religious Outcomes

  • Calvinism was accepted as a legitimate religion within the Holy Roman Empire, alongside Catholicism and Lutheranism.
  • Freedom of private worship was granted.
  • The war is considered the last major religious war in Europe, marking the end of violence associated with the Reformation.

Religious Effects

  • Europeans recognized Catholicism, Lutheranism, and Calvinism as the three main religions.
  • Religious tolerance increased, with rulers having the right to choose the religion of their state.
  • Individuals in states with a different established religion could worship privately and publicly during allotted times.

Political Effects

  • The map of Europe was redrawn.
  • The Holy Roman Emperor's power was significantly reduced, and countries within the HRE became effectively independent, leading to a collection of small German-speaking principalities.

Road to the Thirty Years' War

  • Council of Trent (1545-1563):
    • Addressed challenges brought forth by Protestants.
    • Redefined the Catholic Church’s beliefs.
    • Limited the sale of indulgences and lavish lifestyle practices of clergy; also insisted that clergy be educated and interpret The Bible in vernacular languages.
  • Enforced orthodoxy through the Inquisition.

John Calvin

  • John Calvin (1509-1564) was responsible for the success of the Reformation outside of Germany and Scandinavia.
  • He created patterns of thought that have dominated Western culture throughout the modern era.

Calvin's Theology

  • Emphasized the power of God over sinful and corrupt humanity.
  • Advocated strict obedience to God’s laws and social/moral righteousness.
  • Believed in Predestination (the idea that people are chosen at birth by God to go to heaven/hell after they die).

The Counter-Reformation

  • The Catholic Church initiated a Counter-Reformation.
    • Pope Paul III created The Council of Trent in the hope of discussing what to do next.
    • Council of Trent (1545-1563)
  • Redefined the Catholic Church’s beliefs.
  • Reinforced clerical hierarchy as valid, sacraments as essential, and Pope as a necessary connection to God.
  • Limited the sale of indulgences and lavish lifestyle practices of clergy; also insisted that clergy be educated and interpret The Bible in vernacular languages.
  • THESE DECREES WERE NOT A COMPROMISE WITH PROTESTANTS. It was instead a way to show current members they were reforming, and it was a way to strengthen the Catholic identity.

Peace of Augsburg (1555)

  • Intended to cool religious tensions within the Holy Roman Empire.
  • Established the principle of cuius regio, eius religio (whose realm, his religion).
  • However, it only recognized Lutheranism and Catholicism, excluding Calvinism.

The French Wars of Religion (1562-1598)

  • Violence erupted between Huguenots (French Protestants) and Catholics.
  • The St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre (1572) saw the killing of thousands of Huguenots, further convincing European Protestants that Catholics are blood-thirsty!

Henry IV and the Edict of Nantes

  • Henry IV, a politique, converted to Catholicism, believing it would be better for the state to have a Catholic ruler.
  • Issued The Edict of Nantes (1598), granting religious rights to Huguenots.
  • Allowed Huguenots to worship in areas where they were in the majority and fortify their towns.
  • Henry IV assassinated by a Catholic extremist.

Bohemian Phase

  • Bohemia, under Habsburg control, had a history of Protestantism due to Jan Hus.
  • Ferdinand II revoked religious tolerance towards Protestants, leading to outrage.

Defenestration of Prague

  • Catholic representatives were thrown out the window, sparking
    the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648).
  • They survived by landing in manure!!