Central European Monarchs Clash

Ch. 21. Sect. 3

Thirty Years War

• Began because of conflict over religion, territory, & power among European ruling families

Peace of Westphalia

• The war devastated German States’ economy this is why it did not become a unified state until the 1800’s

• Weakened Hapsburg states (Austria)

• Strengthened France

• Ended religious wars in Europe

• Intro. to new method of peace negotiation- still use it today, where everyone meets to settle problems & decide terms of peace.

Peace of Westphalia cont’d

Beginning of Modern states

• Treaty recognized Europe as group of independent states that could negotiate for themselves

• Austria grows stronger

Maria Theresa & Pragmatic Sanction

• Maria Theresa inherits the Austrian Throne

• Pragmatic Sanction- A royal order that is given as a fundamental law concerning royal succession to the throne

• Charles VI tried to get the other European leaders to not attack his daughter when she took the throne.

Prussia & Austria Clash

• Rise of Prussia & Frederick the Great

• 1640 a Hohenzollern, Frederick William inherited the throne title of Elector of Brandenburg.

• Believes having a strong army was the only way to ensure safety- Army of 80,000

• Frederick II (known as Frederick the Great) followed his father’s policies when he came to power

War of Austrian Succession• Frederick wants Austrians land of Silesia• Frederick thought Maria was weak because she was a

women• Maria did stop Prussia but lost Silesia with the Treaty

of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748.

Seven Years War (French & Indian War)

• British won, France lost colonies in North America

• Only War Russia participated in