The Thirty Years' War: Causes, Conflicts, and Consequences

The Thirty Years' War: Origins and Escalation

The Thirty Years' War began as an internal revolt within the Holy Roman Empire, pitting Protestant Princes against the new Catholic Emperor, Ferdinand II.

The Spark: Bohemian Revolt

It all started in the Kingdom of Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic) when Ferdinand II, a Catholic, was elected king in 1617. He soon began to restrict the religious freedom of the predominantly Protestant population by closing and forbidding the construction of Protestant churches. This made him very unpopular, especially among the Protestant nobles.

The Defenestration of Prague

In 1618, a group of Protestant nobles captured the king's representatives in Prague and threw them out of the palace window! Miraculously, they survived. This event, known as the Defenestration of Prague, ignited the Bohemian Revolt.

Escalation into a Continental War

The Bohemian conflict quickly spread throughout Germany and eventually across Europe, involving Spain, France, Sweden, and numerous other countries. This marked the beginning of the Thirty Years' War.

The Peace of Westphalia and its Aftermath

The war concluded with the defeat of Spain and the German Emperor. Representatives from the warring factions convened for negotiations, resulting in the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, which brought an end to both the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) and the Eighty Years' War (1566–1648) between Spain and the United Provinces.

Main Consequences of the Peace of Westphalia:

1. Weakening of the Holy Roman Empire:
   • Increased autonomy of the states within the empire. German princes gained independence, limiting the emperor's power.
   • Religious freedom: Each prince had the right to determine the religion of their own state, effectively ending the Wars of Religion in Europe.
2. Weakening of Spain: Spain formally recognized the independence of the United Provinces.
3. Strengthening of France: France annexed several German territories, including Metz, Verdun, and Alsace.

The Franco-Spanish War (1648-1659)

Origin

The Franco-Spanish War was a continuation of the conflict between Spain and France. The primary reason for its continuation was the French annexations during the Peace of Westphalia, which cut off Spanish access to the Low Countries from Milan.

Outcome

Spain was defeated once again.

Treaty of the Pyrenees

• France annexed the Roussillon.
• The marriage of Felipe IV’s daughter, Maria Teresa, to the French King Louis XIV was arranged.