Albrecht von Wallenstein (see powerpoint for points)
Quite successful, series of victories from N. Germany to where Roman empire meets Denmark. Threatens Denmark- on verge of consolidating Empire back to holy roman emperor. Persecution, forced conversion, redistribution of land- Edict of Restitution- after 1522, any catholic property collected by Protestants would have to be given back to catholic church.
3rd phase- Swedish faze- sparked by the french. Cardinal Richelieu 1585 (see powerpoint). French concerned. Cardinal called the shots. Used french gold to fight the catholics in the Roman empire- hired swedes. Gustavus Adolphus II of Sweden- built one of finest armies known. (see powerpoint). 1630- to save Protestantism- moves into Germany. In 2 years, wins series of brilliant battles, Tilley is killed, Roman Emporoer turns back to Wallenstein for help, even though he had been ceremoniously retired before this time. Wallenstein says he was retired- but offered more money, total command of the imperial army, and then he accepts. He beats the swedes out of germany. Nov. 1632, the Protestants win, but Adolphus dies. Empire finds out Wallenstein is trying to subvert a bit, dismissed, but Wallenstein tells troops to fight the new enemy- the holy Roman Emperor. He was eventually killed begging for his life.
English- French Phase- prolonged another 13 years. Henry Turin. By May of 1648, Bavaria knocked out of war- eventually he is forced to retreat- Treaty of Westphalia after peace talks which began as early as 1644. The German states had a peace conference- they want security- safety- peace after 30 years of war. What had started this? Religious issues, etc. France and Sweden insist each German state take part in negotiations. More than 50 states, so why do it? Make it last as long as possible. Monarchs of France and Sweden made this demand0 not holy roman empire. Ferdinand the III (holy roman empire now)- tried to put off this demand. Another group that benefited from the treaty were Muster and Unsterbrook from the people there for the treaty talks. First international peace conference- different than ones that preceded it. For ex.- Council of Constance dealt with affairs of the church. Westphalia was state related. Nobody cared what the pope had to say here- he didn’t eve sign the treaties.
Why does the treaty drag on so long? for the same reason as Korean war- neither side demanded a ceasefire first, causing demands to sway with victories.
1648- signed, although France and Spain would fight for 10 years. Victory for Protestants and sovereignty of the princes.
Treaty of Westphalia did (see powerpoint):
Reaffirms religious peace of Augsburg, calvinism, land, sovereignty of german states. Beginning of modern concept of representing independent powers. Holy Roman Empire- particularly Germany- is wrecked, cut in pieces, has little to to do with big affairs for another 200 years. This will mark the end of religious wars in Europe for a while, with a few exceptions in Ireland/Scotland (tho nationalism also). Never again will Europe have such a role in religion. Why does this matter? Who rises to the top? Paris with a radiation of 500 miles- the radiation of modern civ.- tremendous impact on europe, Americas, and ultimately the whole war. England the Netherlands and France. England isn’t ready to leap into international arena. The netherlands is never really a factor- population base too small, so France rise from 1650-1700- reign of the sun king Louis XIV.
House of Hapsburgs- lands stayed Catholic.
Sovereignty- make no laws, raise no soldiers, declare no wars, etc. without consent of all states.
Holy Roman emperor no longer has effective power.
