1618-1621...

In 1608 Rudolph II (1576-1612), leader of the empire, transferred leadership of Hungary, Austria and Morovia to his brother Matthias; however, he kept his title as King of Bohemia. A year later he was able to pacify the Bohemians by granting the Imperial Charter (Majestätsbrief) which gave religious freedom to Bohemia's noble, dependents, and those living on crown lands.

Rudolph and Matthias died soon after and since neither had an heir, the Royal Family chose Ferdinand as their king in 1618.

The Bohemians rose in revolt under the leadership of Count von Thurn when faced with an alleged infringement on their charter. Despite Ferdinand's legacy, the Bohemians decided to elect the Protestant Leader, Frederick of the Palatinate as rival King of Bohemia.

Although this appeared to be a foolproof plan, Ferdinand II struck back, with his Spanish relatives, Maximillian I of Bavaria, the Catholic League and the Lutheran Saxony on his side. Although Bethlen Gabor, Prince of Transylvania, made an alliance with the Bohemians, discipline declined and the leaders began to disagree. Maximillian so greatly intimidated the Protestant party that it broke up. He then advanced into Bohemia supported by Austrian troops. The Bohemians were utterly defeated near Prague at the White Mountain.

At the same time the Spanish invaded and took over Frederick's territories on the Rhine. This meant that the Spanish could secure a land route from territories in Italy to territories in Belgium.

Next: the Palatinate Stage