1. The Thirty Years’ War
Begins in the Holy Roman Empire – made up of several hundred small, separate states.
These states were ruled by the Holy Roman Emperor, who was chosen by German princes. The emperor had little power.
Religion divided these states; the north was Protestant, and the south was Catholic.

3. The Thirty Years’ War, cont.
May 1618 begins in Bohemia as a local conflict; the Hapsburg king, Ferdinand (Catholic), tried to control the local Protestant nobles.
The Protestants led a rebellion and tossed several Catholic royal officials out a window.
A local conflict turned into a European war.

4. The Thirty Years’ War, cont.
Ferdinand was elected Holy Roman emperor and he tried to roll back the Reformation.
The fighting was intense and brutal; mercenaries destroyed and plundered villages.
Depopulation of the German states occured: due to murder, torture, famine and disease, killed 1/3 of the population in the German states.

5. The Thirty Years’ War, cont.
Peace comes in 1648 with the Peace of Westphalia.
France emerged as a winner and gained a little territory; the Netherlands and present day Switzerland were recognized as independent states.
Germany was left divided into more than 360 separate states.

7. Hapsburg Austria
Maria Theresa, a Catholic, becomes heir to the Austrian Hapsburg empire after the death of her father, Charles VI.
She was successful in winning the support of her people and strengthening her empire, all while giving birth and raising 16 children!

8. The Rise of Prussia
Prussia emerged in 1600s as a strong Protestant power under the Hohenzollern family.
Held a belief in militarism; had one of the best trained armies in Europe.
Led by Frederick William then by his son, Frederick II, whom he had trained in the art of war since birth.
Prussia and Austria battled over control of the German States.