Austria and Prussia
Thirty Years War Holy Roman Empire Hundreds of small separate states with a ‘common’ emperor North = Protestant South = Catholic
Thirty Years War 1618 – Hapsburg King (Ferdinand) wanted to assert power Protestants revolted—Ferdinand moved to suppress Both sides sought allies 1619 – Ferdinand became Holy Roman Emperor Tried to roll back Reformation Mercenaries- soldiers for hire Depopulation 1/3 of Germans died
Thirty Years War 1648 – Peace of Westphalia (series of treaties ending the war) France gained territory Hapsburgs lost almost all power Netherlands and Switzerland recognized as independent 360 separate German states
Austria Hapsburgs left with just Austria Expand lands (Bohemia, Hungary, parts of Poland and Italy)
Austria Maria Theresa takes throne Very capable Trouble being recognized Prussia stole Silesia She fought back (War of the Austrian Succession) Britain and Russia helped Reform: made clergy and nobles pay taxes Lowered taxes for peasants
Prussia Hohenzollern family takes control (Frederick William I) Gained support of nobles (Junkers) Forged a very strong army Trained son in the army
Prussia Frederick II takes power in 1740 Sparked War of Austrian Succession People recognized Prussia as powerful “Frederick the Great”