the four phases of the Thirty Years War (1618-1648)
Phase 1: The Bohemian Phase
1618-1621: The Bohemian aristocracy elects Friedrich V King. In 1620 the Habsburgs succeed in retaking Bohemia for Catholicism.
Phase 2: The Danish Phase
1622-1629: Denmarks fight with the German protestants against the Habsburgs, who also want to restor the Netherlands to their (catholic) control. However, Denmark is defeated by the Bavarian General Tilly and the Imperial Commander Wallenstein in 1629. The Habsburgs power seems assured.
Phase 3: The Swedish Phase
1629-1635: Protestant Sweden helps the north german princes to push back imperial power. Under King Gustav von Adolphus the swedes are so successful that they soon occupy large areas of Germany. France changes side to fight against the Swedes. in 1643 the catholics succeed in defeating the swedes, and conclude the Peace of PRague with the German princes.
The Edict of Restitution:
1629: Kaiser Ferdinand attempts to reverse all Protestant territories gains since 1555 - but the catholic princes are also unwilling to accept an all powerful Kaiser.
Magdeburg aflame
1631 - only 5000 survived
Phase 4: the french phase
1635-1648: France and the protestant netherlands continue to fight the Habsburgs. Sweden also re-enters the war, which continues to rage iin many parts of Germany.
what happened in 1643?
mercenary soldiers ravaged Germany.
