Feature History: The Thirty Years' War

Introduction

• Focus on the Thirty Years' War, not typically well-known.
• War lasted from 1618 to 1648.
• Related to the Protestant Reformation.

Background

• Protestant Reformation created tension between Catholics and Protestants.
• Peace of Augsburg (1555) attempted to resolve religious disputes with "cuius regno, eius religio."
• Tensions persisted in the Holy Roman Empire (HRE).
• Emperor Rudolf II's Protestant tolerance revoked by successor Ferdinand II, spurring tensions.

Defenestration of Prague

• Bohemians revolted in 1618 after the Letter of Majesty was revoked.
• Known as "Defenestration of Prague," where Protestant leaders threw Catholic councilors out of a window.

Phases of the War

1. Bohemian Phase (1618-1620):

   • Started with Bohemian revolt.
   • Ferdinand sought assistance from his nephew, Philip IV of Spain.
   • Frederick V of Bohemia defeated at the Battle of White Mountain.

2. Danish Phase (1625-1629):

   • King Christian IV of Denmark intervened.
   • Protestant armies defeated by Catholic mercenary Albrecht von Wallenstein.

3. Swedish Phase (1630-1635):

   • Led by King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden.
   • Victorious at the Battle of Breitenfeld using mobile artillery.
   • French financial support for Sweden.
   • Gustavus Adolphus died in battle in 1632.

4. French Phase (1635-1648):

   • France directly intervened; longest and bloodiest phase.
   • Massive casualties and significant depopulation.
   • Politics overshadowed religion in motivations.

Outcome

• Concluded with the Peace of Westphalia in 1648.
• Weakened the Holy Roman Emperor, empowering local princes.
• Dutch independence from Spain.
• Territorial gains for Brandenburg/Prussia and France.
• Switzerland gained independence.
• Religious toleration and private worship accepted (including Calvinism).

Significance

• Marked the end of major religious wars in Europe.
• Shifted focus from religious to political motivations in European diplomacy.
• Set the stage for future conflicts with new territorial and power dynamics.

Conclusion

• Complex history with lasting effects on Europe.
• Acknowledgment of collaboration with JABZY’s channel.
• Encouragement to engage with further content and videos.