Rise of Austria and Prussia (1618-1788)

By CNPC
  • Defenestration of Prague

    Protestants are outraged. They throw (literally) the Catholic nobles out of the windows. Saved by manure, although they said they were saved by angels.
  • Religious Tolerance Out the Window

    Ferdinand II took over Roma Empire. He was very religious (Catholic) and tried to apply it to his kingdom. He sent Catholic nobles into the city of Prague that was filled with Protestants, to turn them Catholic.
  • Period: to

    Thirty Year War

    Local religious conflict turned into massive war between European powers when other countries got involved. Catholics against Protestants.
  • Destruction from Swedish Army

    Swedish Army destroys 1/3 of Germany including 2000 castles, 18000 villages, and 1500 towns.
  • Honhezollern's Rule

    While the Hapsburgs created a Catholic power, the Hohenzollerns in Prussia created a Protestant power.
  • Peace of Westphalia

    Series of peace treaties signed in the Westphalian cities of Osnabrück and Münster, effectively ending the European wars of religion.
  • Haspburg Rule

    After war ended the Hapsburgs needed to find a way to rule all the different cultures.
  • Frederick William

    Reign of absolutism. Wanted junkers completely under his control, just like everyone else. When his son tried to escape with his friend they were captured; his son was punished and the friend was beheaded.
  • Maria Theresa

    When Charles VI has no son, he convinces the nobles to accept his daughter as the heir. Some nobles "forgot" promise to Charles VI. Maria Theresa married and made husband emperor, but she was the real ruler.
  • Frederick the Great

    Became king of Prussia. Excellent military leader, unified territory. Transformed Prussia into one of the great nations of Europe. Economy became self-sufficient. There was religious toleration.
  • Frederick William II

    Cooperated with the Roman emperor Leopold II and became part of an alliance (Austro-Prussian). Enforced Religious Edict (protected members of different religions).