Religious/Secular War Thirty Years Wars

Social and Religious Upheaval in Europe Between 1560 and 1650 Europe suffered economic and social crises as well as political upheaval. In addition to the religious turmoil and wars, other factors contributed: Economy began to retract. Italy, which had been an economic hot-bed of trade during the renaissance period was eclipsed by Atlantic powers. Spain’s fortunes declined. Mini-ice age after middle of 1500s hurt agriculture, leading to dislocation of farmers and intermittent food shortages. Results in leveling and even slight decline in the population of Europe after 150 years of growth following the period of the Black Death.

Thirty Years War As territorial boundaries change there is increasing religious tension especially when Calvinism joins in battle of faith (they weren’t mentioned in the Peace of Augsburg) This will lead to the Thirty Years War between Catholic and Protestants

Last of the religious wars, (Protestants v Catholics in HRE) but also dynasty rivalry and balance of power. King of Bohemia and the big pile of dung Started in the Holy Roman Empire Austrian and Catholic Hapsburgs v. French Bourbons

This series of wars involved almost all of Europe The armies completely denuded the land Famine and disease were significant War devastates Germany. 1/3 of urban and 40% of rural population destroyed. Economy ravaged

Leading up to War Peace of Augsburg did not recognize Calvinism 7 Electors… – Frederick III of Palatinate convert to Calvinism Council of Trent successful in Southern German States – Jesuits played a prominent role

Bohemian Phase ( ) Overview: civil war in Bohemia as Bohemians fought for independence from Austrian Hapsburg rule. Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand II totally defeated Protestant forces.

Details: Ferdinand II was ardent Catholic – Became King of Bohemia – Most Bohemians were protestant In 1618… Defenestration of Prague Following year HRE died – Ferdinand II was chosen as new HRE Frederick became King of Bohemia – Was Calvinist – Was Elector of Palatinate also Bavaria helped HRE, Ferdinand, take on Bohemia – Bavaria promised Elector status in place of Palatinate – Saxony (Lutheran) joined Ferdinand against Calvinists too Frederick beaten in one winter – Called the Winter King

Why keep fighting? Why not stop here? Many private armies make a living from war Still a perceived threat to Protestants HRE altered Elector status (seen as loss of German State independence) HRE confiscated Protestant lands – Feared Hapsburg might

Danish Period: Overview: Denmark intervenes to support Protestant forces. Catholics role up more victories.

Details King of Denmark, Christian IV, led army in defense of Protestants Christian easily defeated by HRE/ Hapsburg forces Edict of Restitution, 1629 – Calvinism outlawed – Lutherans had to return lands taken dating all the way back to 1552 (16 bishoprics, 28 cities & towns, 155 monasteries & convents)

Swedish Period: Overview: Swedish King intervened to support the Protestant cause. Decisive for the Protestants and ended Hapsburg ambition of uniting all the German states under imperial authority.

Details Edict of Restitution led Swedish king, Gustavus Adolphus, to get involved Claimed to protect protestants – Really he desired to take land for himself French Cardinal Richelieu financially backed Gus – He was Catholic! – Involved to block Hapsburgs Back-and-forth – Gustavus died at the Battle of Lutzen, 1632

Swedish-French Period: Overview: Death of Swedish King prompts French to enter the war to ensure that HRE does not remain strong. France declares war on Spain and sends assistance to protestant forces in Germany. War drags on with French, Dutch and Swedes, supported by Scots, Finns and German mercenaries burning, looting and destroying German agriculture and commerce.

Details: Cardinal Richelieu continued to back Protestants – Desired a fragmented weak organization of German States (HRE) – Desired a reduction/blocking of Hapsburg might France, Sweden, and allies versus Austria, Spain and their allies Most destructive phase of the war – German towns decimated – Agricultural collapse in HRE – 8+ million dead

Treaty of Westphalia 1648 Terms End of HRE as real political entity. Each of the German princes recognized as sovereign, independent authority Restated Peace of Augsburg with Calvinism added Independence of United Provinces of the Netherlands acknowledged. France gets Alsace, increasing its size and prestige. France allowed to intervene at will in German affairs. Pope denied the right to intervene in German affairs. Portugal recognized as independent of Spain. France emerges as the dominant nation in Europe!!!

Why the Treaty of Westphalia is so important Europe countries are recognized as sovereign polity. no papacy overlord anymore. Imposes peace after century of ugly religious slaughter over points of Christian doctrine like transubstaniation (is the body blood of Christ or not?) Important because great Enlightenment philosopher John Locke says religion dangerous. (it is about uniformity v consciousness) Debate on source of political authority - goes beyond the mere statescraft of Thomas More

Warfare, although often with religious elements, will no longer be for primarily religious purposes Last attempt of Catholics to unify failed Political entities start to seek political unity rather than religious unity Age of Absolutism will begin