The Thirty Years War (1618-1648) was a devastating conflict fought mainly in Central Europe that began as a religious war between Catholic and Protestant states in the Holy Roman Empire but expanded to include most of the major powers in Europe. Religious and political tensions between Protestant and Catholic states, as well as the competing territorial ambitions of countries like Spain, France, Sweden, and the Dutch Republic turned an internal German struggle into an international war. The war crippled the Holy Roman Empire and resulted in massive loss of life in Germany, while strengthening the positions of Sweden, France, and Prussia in European affairs.

1. Do Now How can religion be a cause of war?

2. The Thirty Years War

3. What is the Thirty Years War? Fought mainly in Central Europe From 1618-1648 Started as a German civil war Soon became an international conflict One side of the war was the Habsburg family Both the Holy Roman Empire and Spain were ruled by Habsburgs

4. Causes of the War Religious Tensions The H.R.E. included Lutheran, Calvinist and Catholic states The government was mostly controlled by Catholics Competing alliances in Germany: The Catholic League and the Protestant Union Neighboring countries wanted more influence in Germany

5. The Bohemian Phase 1618 – 1621 The Bohemians revolted against Emperor Ferdinand II Ferdinand II was supported by the Catholic League and Spain The Bohemians could not get help from the Protestant Union or England The Spanish conquered areas in Western Germany

6. The Palatinate Phase 1621 – 1624 Frederick V attempted to regain his land taken by the Spanish The Dutch assisted Frederick V because Spain planned to conquer them Frederick V failed and was pressured to give up by the King of England

7. The Danish Phase 1625 to 1630 Christian IV of Denmark helped defend Lower Saxony France and England joined Denmark Denmark was defeated The Edict of Restitution was passed making some Protestant lands in the H.R.E. Catholic

8. The Swedish Phase 1630 – 1634 The Swedish King with assistance from the French invaded Germany Sweden took over much of Germany initially The Swedish army was pushed back by a combined force of the Emperor’s Army and the Spanish Army

9. The French Phase 1634 – 1648 The French were threatened by the growing strength of the Habsburgs France declared war on Spain and increased its pressure on the H.R.E. The French and Swedish gained much land during the later years of this phase

11. Results of the War Ended by Peace of Westphalia A series of treaties between the fighting countries. Calvinism legally recognized in H.R.E. Sweden and France gain some land Emperor greatly weakened

12. Results of the War Germany loses 1/3 of total population and half of male population Prussia became an important German Power France became the important land-based power in Europe