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When did the Thirty Years’ War begin and end?
1618 to 1648, lasting exactly thirty long destructive years.
Which event triggered the beginning of the war?
The Defenestration of Prague, when officials were thrown out windows.
Who was the Holy Roman Emperor at the war’s start?
Ferdinand II, a strong Catholic determined to restore religious unity.
Which country did the war primarily take place in?
The Holy Roman Empire, mostly modern-day central and southern Germany.
Which religion opposed Catholicism during the conflict?
Protestantism, including Lutheran and Calvinist reform movements spreading widely.
What was the main cause besides religion?
Political power struggles and land control between European monarchies.
Which four main phases did the war include?
Bohemian, Danish, Swedish, and French phases, each with different powers.
Who led the Protestant forces during the Swedish phase?
King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, known as “Lion of the North.”
Why did France join the war against Catholic Habsburgs?
To weaken Habsburg power and strengthen France’s political influence
Which king of Denmark failed to help Protestants successfully?
Christian IV, defeated by imperial general Wallenstein’s powerful Catholic army.
Who was Wallenstein, and what was he known for?
A brilliant but ruthless general fighting for the Holy Roman Emperor
What peace treaty ended the war in 1648?
The Peace of Westphalia, restoring stability across central Europe
What key freedom did the Peace of Westphalia grant rulers?
The right to choose their state’s religion freely and independently.
Which countries gained independence through the treaty?
Switzerland and the Dutch Republic officially became independent nations.
How many German states gained sovereignty after the war?
Over three hundred states within the Holy Roman Empire.
Which empire became weaker and more divided post-war?
The Holy Roman Empire lost unity and political control.
