The Thirty Years War The war begins in 1618 when Protestant Bohemian nobles toss royal officials out a window. Spain, Portugal, Poland, and other Catholic states fought Sweden, the Netherlands, and other Protestant states. The war destroyed much of Germany and killed 1/3 of the population. In 1648 the Peace of Westphalia was signed. France won, Hapsburgs lost. Germany divided for next 200 years.

Hapsburg Austria The Hapsburgs were weakened in Europe after the Thirty Years War. The Austrian Empire turns toward the East and the weak Empire of the Turks for expansion. Maria Theresa takes control of the Hapsburg lands. There were many different cultures in the Empire.

Hapsburg Austria The greatest threat to Austria and Maria Theresa came from Frederick II of Prussia. Frederick II took the rich mining area of Silesia after promising not to bother Maria Theresa. The War of the Austrian Succession helps unify Austria and Hungary. The Austrians never regain Silesia. Joseph II continues many of Maria Theresa’s policies. Enlightened despot/king

Hohenzollern Prussia The Hohenzollern settled in Brandenburg-Prussia after taking lands from the church. The Hohenzollerns limited the power of the Junkers or German nobles. The Prussians set up an efficient army and government. Frederick the Great or Frederick II was trained from birth to be a soldier.

Hohenzollern, Prussia Frederick II took the rich mining area of Silesia after promising not to bother Maria Theresa. The War of the Austria Succession helps unify Austria and Hungary. Two great rivalries existed in Europe Prussia vs. Austria and France vs. England. By 1750 the great powers of Europe were Austria, Prussia, France, England, and Russia.

The Monarchs of Eastern and Central Europe Russia was the most populous and largest country in Europe. It also was the poorest After the death of Ivan the Terrible there was unrest in Russia. The Birth of the Romanov Dynasty, with Michael.

Peter the Great Peter I or Peter the Great was 6’9” and saw the future of Russia in the West. Peter wanted a warm water port for Russia. Peter organized the army and fought the Turks and Swedes. Peter placed a tax on beards, and the birth of babies.

Catherine the Great Catherine the Great’s, Husband was murdered, so she took over the throne. Catherine was a supporter of the Arts and Science. Her foreign policy was to expand Russia. Catherine won a warm weather port for Russia in the Sea of Azov, and took a large portion of Poland.

The Partition of Poland Russia, Prussia, and Austria divide up Poland in the 1770s. Austria a lifelong ally of Great Britain sides with France. They switched sides.