30 YearsWar Swedes/French 1618-1648
Arianna Hardy, Mia Dwyer, & Ariel Majors
Summary:
The 30 Years War began as a local war between protestants and Catholics in the Holy Roman Empire. As the war progressed, the Swedish became involved to protect protestant interests. It then turned from a local war into a more political and continental war. Despite its catholic ties, France supported Sweden in the form of funds in hopes of limiting the House of Habsburg from gaining more territory and eventually taking over France. Later, Sweden’s general died (Gustavus Adolphus) and Sweden withdrew from the fighting. At this time France decided to take up the front of attacking and the Swedish supported the French with its funds. Eventually, it lead to a "tie" between the Holy Roman Empire and the Protestants, although France gained power and the Holy Roman Empire was weakened in the process. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Westphalia concluding the occurrence of any other religious war in Europe.
Main Causes:
-The Revoking of the Letters of Majesty by Ferdinand II: After the Letters of Majesty were revoked many protestants became angry and began throwing Ferdinand's messengers out of windows. This sparked a battle between Protestants and Catholics known as the Battle of White Mountain. The Catholics won the battle and the war continued on with many more battles to come.
- Direct Cause: Political Gain for the French: Although of Catholic faith, the French funded Swedish forces in battles for the Protestants in an attempt to limit Habsburg power to avoid France being taken over.
Key Figures/Groups:
-Ferdinand II: Emperor of Holy Roman Empire, revoked Letters of Majesty, Catholic
-Gustavus Adolphus: King of Sweden, Lutheran, “Father of Modern Warfare”
-Cardinal Richelieu: First Minister of France, concerned about balance of power, puts politics over religion to protect French well-being/interest.
-French (Funded Swedish in War)
-Swedish (Fought on behalf of Protestant interest, funded by French)
Outcome of War:
Concluded with the Signing of The Treaty of Westphalia. Neither the Protestants nor Catholics won the war, yet France gained power, The Holy Roman Empire was weakened since the emperor was no longer allowed to directly influence the princes in his kingdom, and Lutheranism, Calvinism, and Catholicism were all acceptable to follow. Also, it was established that the ruler of a nation, province, or otherwise decides the religion of that nation or province.
Significance of War
-This was the last religious war in Europe.
-This war created a major shift in power from the Holy Roman Empire to France while also establishing religious freedom.
-Sweden gained its independence
-Peace was finally established among nations
-Marked the end of the Protestant Reformation
Timeline of War (Swedish and French Phases):
Swedish:
November 1630- May 20 1631: Seige and Sack of Magdeburg
July 22 1631: Battle of Werben
September 17 1631: Battle of Breitenfeld
April 15 1632: Battle of Rain
Late Summer 1632: Battle of Alte Veste
September 3rd and 4th 1632: Battle of Furth
November 16 1632: Battle Lutzen
September 6 1634: Battle of Nordlingen
May 30 1635: Peace of Prague
October 4 1636: Battle of Wittstock
French:
October 10, 1637: Fall of Breda
February 1638: Battle of Rheinfield
May 26 1642: Battle of Honnecourt
October 23 1642: 2nd Battle of Breitenfeld
May 19 1643: Battle of Rocroi
November 24 1643: Battle of Tuttlingen
August 3rd, 5th, 9th: 1644: Battle of Freiburg
November 1644: Battle of Juterbog
February 24 1645: Battle of Jankov
May 2 1645: Battle of Mergentheim
August 3 1645: Battle of Lens
May 7 1648: Battle of Zusmarshausen
1648: Seige and Battle of Prague, and Battle of the Charles Bridge
Primary Source and Description:
Description: Documentation of the Thirty Years War by Hans Heberle Survivor of Thirty Years War (1597-1677). A first hand account of the Thirty Years War.