1625-1630...

Foreign countries took an interest in the war and powers opposed to the Habsburgs -- the English, French and Dutch -- formed a league against them. France tried to separate Maximillian from the Emperor, while the Netherlands granted subsidies and England and Holland both implored Christian V of Denmark and Gustavus Adolphus to take part. Christian was named commander of their forces by many oppressed surrounding states, and invaded on behalf of this league, but once again suffered a terrible and crushing defeat at the hands of the Catholics and a new Imperial leader named Wallenstein.

Wallenstein, a powerful Bohemian noble, contacted Ferdinand and offered to create an army larger and more powerful than that of the Protestants. Ferdinand appointed him General. Wallenstein was able to increase his army to 70 000 tropps and, in the summer of 1627, defeated Mansfeld's troops.

Meanwhile, Tilly had crushed Christian, despite Christian's new army.

The Emperor then proceeded to issue the Edict of Restitution, which ordered the return of all land that had been taken from the Roman church since the 1550's.

Fearing Wallenstein's power, the territorial rulers forced the Emperor to remove Wallenstein from power and reduce the size of the Imperial army.

The EDICT OF RESTITUTION

The Catholics, under Ferdinand, were able to reclaim the lands of the Church. Because of this increase in power, Catholic demands were being made to the emperor from all sides. In March 1629, Ferdinand issued the Edict of Restitution. This settled all of the previously unclear rules. It then ordered that all religious legal suits pending before the imperial court would be decided in accordance to the edict. It further ordered that all land previously taken from the Catholic diocese would be returned to it.

The Edict alienated all Protestant rulers and nobles from the emperor. However, they did nothing because of their lack of strength and desire to keep the peace and stop the war. It was not until the Catholic estates also became estranged that a problem arose and helped continue the war.