Thirty Years' War (1618-1648)
Pre-War, Bohemian, and Danish Phase
Pre-War
Prior to Ferdinand II ascension to the throne, a letter of majesty had been written for the protestants of Bohemia by Rudolf II which granted them religious tolerance. The Protestants of Bohemia were ruled over directly by Catholic leaders, but this letter granted them tolerance.
Edict of Restitution (primary resource)
This was issued in 1629 at the conclusion of the Danish Phase. It was issued by Ferdinand II and Catholic leadership to restore German Catholic institutions lost to Protestants. The results were ultimately disastrous.
Bohemian Phase (1618-1625)
Summary
Cause
Course
Calvinist rebels threw two Catholic members of the royal council out a window, marking the beginning of the revolts.
Alliances
Bohemians formed alliances with Protestants from modern-day Germany and the Ottoman Empire.
Sending Troops
Ferdinand II sent troops to Bohemia, and the Catholics won a victory in the Battle of White Mountain, which ended the war.
Ferdinand II
Bohemian Calvinists
Catholic Lords
Outcome and Main Significance
Danish Phase (1625-1629)
Cause
Course
The King of Denmark, Christian IV, began to fear for his nation because of the Catholic victories.
Alliances
Christian IV wanted to ally with the Dutch, English, and French, but received little aid as they had their own issues to deal with.
Defeat
Christian IV was defeated by Albrecht von Wallenstein, losing all his land in Germany as a result.