For God or The Devil: A History of The Thirty Years War (When Diplomacy Fails) - Softcover

Twamley, Zachary

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1945430095 ISBN 13: 9781945430091

Publisher: Winged Hussar Publishing, 2020

Synopsis

Four hundred years ago, rebellious Bohemian noblemen threw the representatives of the powerful Habsburg family out of the windows of Prague Castle. What began as an problem for the Holy Roman Emperor to solve soon escaped its Pandora's Box, as the powers of Spain, Denmark, Sweden, the Dutch, France, Poland, Russia and countless German princes became involved. Religious tensions, simmering since 1555, exploded out into the open, and people were forced to pick a side. Following intervention from several foreign powers, the conflict became less about the pursuit of religion, and more about the pursuit of power and influence. The Thirty Years War took on a life and terror of its own, as the rivalry between the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties, the Eighty Years War between the Dutch and Spanish, the struggle for supremacy in Northern Europe and Scandinavia, and the ambitions of the Emperor all contributed to intensify and prolong the conflict.

Four hundred years ago, rebellious Bohemian noblemen threw the representatives of the powerful Habsburg family out of the windows of Prague Castle. What began as an problem for the Holy Roman Emperor to solve soon escaped its Pandora's Box, as the powers of Spain, Denmark, Sweden, the Dutch, France, Poland, Russia and countless German princes became involved. Religious tensions, simmering since 1555, exploded out into the open, and people were forced to pick a side. Following intervention from several foreign powers, the conflict became less about the pursuit of religion, and more about the pursuit of power and influence. The Thirty Years War took on a life and terror of its own, as the rivalry between the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties, the Eighty Years War between the Dutch and Spanish, the struggle for supremacy in Northern Europe and Scandinavia, and the ambitions of the Emperor all contributed to intensify and prolong the conflict. 

 

Over its span of three decades, it inflicted untold misery on the inhabitants of Europe, killed millions, ruined agriculture, destroyed infrastructure, drove millions more out of their homes and into the aching countryside. The fortunes of each power waxed and waned, as their resources grew or contracted, great battles were won and lost, incredible figures made their mark on history, and several watershed moments passed the world by. The Thirty Years War was one of the most destructive and devastating conflicts in history, superseded only by the total wars of the 20th century. Caught between the different potentates, the people of Europe were forced to choose: would they fight or do their best to escape the war's ravages; would they support their lord or rally against him; would they be for God or the Devil?

 

About this title

About the Author

Zachary Twamley is an author, historian and history podcaster with a keen interest in early modern Europe, modern British history, and all things Otto von Bismarck. His past works include a book examining the British decision to enter the First World War: A Matter of Honour, and an upcoming two-volume book on the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 18th century. In addition to the written word, he also produces several history podcasts including When Diplomacy Fails, 1956 - The Eventful Year, Poland Is Not Yet Lost and the podcast upon which this book is based, The Thirty Years War Podcast. You can find Zachary Twamley and his podcasts at his website  www.wdfpodcast.com

Edition details

• Publisher: Winged Hussar Publishing
• Publication date: 2020
• ISBN 10: 1945430095
• ISBN 13: 9781945430091
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 1120