30 years war
(1618-1648)
By Morgan Devenport & Gabby Casey
The Cause
War Line - Time periods
The second stage, or the Danish period, was mainly between Denmark and the Hapsburgs. After the Battle of White Mountain, Ferdinand took back his title as Holy Roman Emperor and any land that nobles supporting the Protestants had. King Christian IV of Denmark saw that the Protestants had lost the battle so he entered the war against the Catholics to gain back religious rights and redeem protestants. Knowing that Spain was the power house of Europe, Christian allied with England and Holland. To reinforce his own army he appoints Albert of Wallenstein, who creates and army of over 50,000 people that only he has full control of and they defeat Denmark easily. Edict of Restitution is put into place which states that you don't have the choice to be Catholic or Protestant, you must be Catholic. This overrules the Peace of Augsburg.
The Swedish Period then begins. Catholic Minister Richelieu of France convinces the King of Sweden, Adolphus, to join protestant cause. Although Richelieu was Catholic, he didnt care as much of the religion of his country as he did the success and he knew that the only way to take down Spain was to have Sweden fight his battle while he strengthens France to make the final blow. Sweden fights with Spain and almost won until Adolphus died and their leadership was gone. Richelieu steps into the war and this is where the French period begins. He begins to support and fight for the Swedish. The Catholics began to move South from the Spanish Netherlands to France to attack. When they do, protestants go straight to Spain to attack the power house of Spain's army. Spain is unable to keep up and are defeated by France.
Key Figures of the War
Ferdinand II
Frederick V
Christian IV
Albert of Wallenstein
Gustavus Adolphus
Cardinal Richelieu
The Outcome(s):
- All religious wars were ended
- Religion in European politics receded
- Peace of Westphalia (Spanish-Dutch Treaty & Treaty of October 24,1648)
- Reshaped the religious and political map of Central Europe
- The Holy Roman Empire’s population, manufacture, and trade declined greatly
- The Holy Roman Empire and its power began to dissolve
- The Hapsburg family’s power was diminished
- France replaced Spain as the world’s highest power
- There was no “winner” of the 30 years war, though through gaining land, Sweden - who obtained the Baltic regions, and France - who acquired Alsace-Lorraine, would ultimately have more power
Before the 30 years war
After the 30 years war
The wars ended, but many lives were lost
Main Significances of the 30 years of War
The Treaty of Westphalia
The Peace of Westphalia was a duo of treaties, agreed on by the delegates of the countries involved, that ended the 30 years war. This document includes the Spanish - Dutch Treaty, the Treaty of October 24, 1648, and the confirmation of the Peace of Augsburg. It states that the Dutch Republic is to become independent from Spain, Switzerland independent from Austria, German country-states are to be self-governed, Protestants were allowed to live by their believes, and several of the small minor countries gained new territory.
(Link: http://avalon.law.yale.edu/17th_century/westphal.asp )