30 Year War Part two
Swedish, French, and Post-War
Summary
Swedish Intervention (1630-1635)
Gustavus Adolphus and Emperor Ferdinand
-Gustav Adolphus become new protestant leader of Sweden in 1611.-He entered the war in 1630, fearing Emperor Ferdinand of Austria (German Confederation/part of HRE) would be too powerful, and he believed in the Protestant cause.
-Marked the change from religious to political war
Battle of Lutzen
-Wallenstein was a famed bohemian military leader
-Emperor Ferdinand sent for Wallenstein.
-Wallenstein and the Swedes met for battle in the Battle of Lutzen
-Gustavus used advanced military tactics using light, mobile cannons, hence why he is considered the father of modern warfare.
-The Swedish won but Gustavus died in battle.
Battle of Nordlingen
-In 1634, without Gustavus the Swedish army was annihilated by Wallenstein's army
-Ferdinand suspected Wallenstein was working with the Protestants, so he assassinated him.
Treaty of Prague:
-A treaty between Emperor Ferdinand and German Protestant states
-Strengthened the Hasburgs, weakens the German princes
French Finishing Blow (1635-1648)
French and Swedish Alliance
-The war was now a fully political war
-Cardinal Richelieu was the Chief Minister of King Louis Xlll of France
-He wanted to block Habsburg power by joining protestant side.
-Peace of Prague (which unified most of the German protestant states with the Habsburgs) was seen as a threat to France, as it increased Habsburg power
-He marched the French army into Germany to join the weakening Swedish army
-Sweden provided the military expertise, while France had the supplies and funds.
France against the Spanish and Habsburg Empire
-France fought against the Spaniards in Germany.
-France aimed to eliminate the rest of the Spanish footholds in France and modern day Belgium.
-For 14 years the French exhausted the Holy Roman Empire.
-Eventually the time and effort put in by both sides would result in a draw.
The End Of the War and After
-October 24, 1648
-lost track of what they were fighting for
-marked the end of the 30 years war
Terms of Westphalia
-recognized Dutch independence
-extended Peace of Augsburg to Calvinists (now three religions recognized)
-weakened authority of the Holy Roman Empire
Outcomes of the War
-Sweden gained control of the Baltics and France
-Sweden was acknowledged as preeminent Western power
-Holy Roman Emperor's power was broken
-German states could determine the religion of their lands
-Lands were transferred between powers, and Switzerland became independent
Important Figures
Gustavus Adolphus
Emperor Ferdinand II of Holy Roman Empire
Cardinal Richelieu
Significance of the war
- Weakened HRE and Habsburgs, which would lead to downfall of both's power over time
- Began to define, inspire, and shape the nations of Europe today
Primary Source: Treaty of Westphalia
https://is.muni.cz/el/1423/podzim2008/MVZ430/um/Treaty-of-Westphalia.pdf
This was the treaty that officially ended the 30 Year War. Included the Holy Roman Emperor, France, and their allies. This treaty weakened and strengthened different groups and nations within Europe.