Chapter 1

Introduction. -- General effects of the Reformation. -- Revolt of Matthias. -- The Emperor cedes Austria and Hungary to him. -- Matthias acknowledged King of Bohemia. -- The Elector of Cologne abjures the Catholic Religion. -- Consequences. -- The Elector Palatine. -- Dispute respecting the Succession of Juliers. -- Designs of Henry IV. of France. -- Formation of the Union. -- The League. -- Death of the Emperor Rodolph. -- Matthias succeeds him. -- Troubles in Bohemia. -- Civil War. -- Ferdinand extirpates the Protestant Religion from Styria. -- The Elector Palatine, Frederick V., is chosen King by the Bohemians. -- He accepts the Crown of Bohemia. -- Bethlen Gabor, Prince of Transylvania, invades Austria. -- The Duke of Bavaria and the Princes of the League embrace the cause of Ferdinand. -- The Union arm for Frederick. -- The Battle of Prague and total subjection of Bohemia.