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The Fight for European Dominance - Coggle Diagram
The Fight for European Dominance
Thirty Years' War
In 17th century
Conflicts between most important European monarchies continued as tried to achieve dominance over continent
Period of peace until 1618, when Thirty Years' War began
Most important conflict of century
It began in Holy Roman Empire for religious reasons
When Habsburg Emperor, Fernando II, restricted some of Protestants' religious freedoms
Conflict between Catholics ( represented by emperor and supported by Hispanic Monarchy) and Protestants
1st phase of war ended with Catholic victory at Battle of White Mountain (Bohemia) in 1620
In 1621, Twelve Years' Truce between Hispanic Monarchy and Dutch ended
Dutch Republic decided to support rebel Protestants in Holy Roman Empire and war with Hispanic Monarchy reignited
Protestant kingdoms of Denmark (1625) and Sweden (1631) became involved
In 1635, France intervened too, suporting Protestants
Thirty Years' War no longer religious conflict
Became a fight to make Hispanic Monarchy recognise Dutch Republic's independence
Also another struggle for European dominance between France and Spain
During period of war, Hispanic armies won battles, Corbie (1636), and threatened Paris
HM suffered decisive defeats at Battle of Downs in English Channel (1639) and Battle of Rocroi (1643)
Eventually, Peace of Westphalia signed in 1648
This treaty brought series of major changes in Europe, most important being
Formal recognition of independence of Dutch Republic
Modification of borders of Holy Roman Empire, as France and Sweden received territories
Right to religious freedom in Holy Roman Empire
Meant that emperors could no longer impose religious preferences on kingdoms of Empire
France and Hispanic Monarchy continued war until 1659, when Peace of Pyrenees signed
End of Hispanic dominance in Europe confirmed
Thirty Years' War caused great destruction and many deaths
Historians estimate that between 1 and 2 million people died, and 40% civilians
French Dominance
In 2nd half of 17th century, under Louis XIV's reign, period of French dominance
Coincided with implementation of absolutist system
This aggressive policy resulted in formation of international coalitions against France
