Thirty Years’ War- 1618-1648

THE CAUSES

1555- The TREATY OF AUGSBURG is signed between Charles V and the Lutheran princes. This treaty resolved nothing, and contributed to an increase in hatred between Catholics and Lutherans. The spread of Calvinism in the second half of the 16th century will increase differences, and there will be increasingly intense and bloody clashes. The Catholic Church will try to use the clauses of the treaty to impose itself, mainly in the Holy Empire.

Over the next fifty years we will see increased tension in Europe, because to the religious differences will be added the interests of the monarchies. The process of transforming medieval communities into authentic national states will lead to numerous conflicts, where territorial conquest will become increasingly intertwined with religious struggles.

THE RELIGIOUS CONFLICT

1574- EUROPE- This year is exceptionally hot on the continent, mainly in southern Germany. In Italy: Francisco I de Médici, Duke of Tuscany; foundation of the Arts’ School of Florence. The Italian painter Giorgio Vasari dies. In Luca: foundation of the Order of the Regular Clergy of God. In France: death of Charles IX and coronation of Henry III, who renounces the Polish throne. Stephen I was proclaimed king of Poland. Holland: Battle of Mook, Spanish victory over the Dutch rebels, death of Luis de Nassau, rebellion of Spanish troops for their back pay.Naval battle of Reimerswaal; the Beggars of the Sea defeat the Spanish fleet and conquer Middelburg ...