Thirty Years' War

The Thirty Years' War was a conflict fought between the years 1618 and 1648, principally in the Central European territory of the Holy Roman Empire, but also involving most of the major continental powers. It occurred for a number of reasons. Although it was from its outset a religious conflict between Protestants and Catholics, the self-preservation of the Habsburg dynasty was also a central motive.

French intervention

Period: 1636-1648

Related Topics:
1636 - 1648

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France, though a largely Catholic country, was a rival of the Holy Roman Empire and Spain, and now entered the war on the Protestant side. Cardinal Richelieu, the Chief Minister of King Louis XIII of France, felt that the Habsburgs were still too powerful, since they held a number of territories on France's eastern border and had influence in the Netherlands.

Related Topics:
Cardinal Richelieu - Louis XIII of France

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France therefore allied itself with the Dutch and Sweden. Spain, in retaliation, invaded French territory. The Imperial general Johann von Werth and Spanish commander Cardinal Ferdinand Habsburg ravaged the French provinces of Champagne and Burgundy and even threatened Paris in 1636 before being repulsed by Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar. Bernhard's victory in the Battle of Compiegne pushed the Habsburg armies back towards the borders of France. Widespread fighting ensued, with neither side gaining a clear advantage.

Related Topics:
Johann von Werth - Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar - Compiegne

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In 1642, Cardinal Richelieu died. A year later, Louis XIII died, leaving his five-year-old son Louis XIV on the throne. His regent, Cardinal Mazarin, began to work toward a restoration of peace.

Related Topics:
1642 - Louis XIV - Cardinal Mazarin

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In 1645, the Swedish marshal Lennart Torstensson defeated the Imperial army at the Battle of Jankau near Prague, and Louis II de Bourbon, Prince de Condé defeated the Bavarian army in the Second Battle of Nördlingen. The last talented commander of the Catholics, Count Franz von Mercy, died in the battle.

Related Topics:
1645 - Lennart Torstensson - Battle of Jankau - Louis II de Bourbon, Prince de Condé - Second Battle of Nördlingen - Franz von Mercy

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On March 14, 1647 Bavaria, Cologne, France and Sweden signed the Truce of Ulm. In 1648 the Swedes (commanded by Marshal Carl Gustaf Wrangel) and the French (led by Turenne and Conde) defeated the Imperial army at the Battle of Zusmarshausen and Lens. These outcomes left only the Imperial territories of Austria itself safely in Habsburg hands.

Related Topics:
March 14 - 1647 - Bavaria - Cologne - France - Sweden - Truce of Ulm - Carl Gustaf Wrangel - Battle of Zusmarshausen - Lens

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