CHAPTER I.

CAUSES OF THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR.

SECTION I.--_Political Institutions of Germany_ (1440-1517).

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National institutions of Germany defective 1

(_a_) As regarded the Emperor 1

(_b_) As regarded the great vassals 3

Attempts made to introduce order by giving a regular form to the Diet 5

These, though only partially successful, are not altogether useless 6

Constitution of the Diet 6

SECTION II.--_Protestantism in Germany_ (1517-1570).

Protestantism acceptable to the majority of the nation, but rejected by the Emperor and the Diet 8

The result is a civil war, resulting in a compromise, called the Peace of Augsburg (1555). Its terms being ambiguous on some important points, give rise to controversy 10

But as Protestantism is on the increase, the ambiguous points are, at first, construed by the Protestants in their own favour 11

The main points at issue relate to the right of Protestants to hold bishoprics, and to the right of Protestant princes to secularize church lands 12

SECTION III.--_Reaction against Protestantism_ (1570-1596).

Theological controversies are carried on with bitterness amongst the Protestants 13

The Catholics, accordingly, begin to gain ground 14

And having the Emperor and Diet on their side, are able to use force as well as persuasion 14

Want of any popular representation prevents any fair settlement of the dispute 15

SECTION IV.--_Three Parties and Three Leaders_ (1596-1612).

Catholics, Lutherans, and Calvinists are respectively guided by Maximilian Duke of Bavaria, John George Elector of Saxony, and Christian of Anhalt 15

Character and policy of Maximilian dangerous to the Protestants 15

The Protestants of the south more alive to the danger than the Protestants of the north 17

Spread of Calvinism, especially in the south, accounted for by the greater danger from Catholic States 17

Character and policy of Christian of Anhalt 18

1603 _Accession of James I. of England_

1605 _Gunpowder Plot_

1607 Donauwörth occupied by Maximilian 19

1608 Formation of the Protestant Union and the Catholic League 21

1609 The quarrel for the succession of Cleves does not result in open war 21

1612 John George fruitlessly attempts to mediate between the Catholics and the Calvinists 22

1613 _Marriage of Frederick V., Elector Palatine, to Elizabeth, daughter of James I. of England_