What Did the Peace of Prague Do?

By Anna Duncan

The Peace of Prague was a treaty signed on August 30, 1635, in the city of Prague between the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II and several Protestant states. This treaty marked the end of hostilities between the two sides during the Thirty Years’ War and established a new political order in Europe. Let’s take a closer look at what this treaty did and how it impacted European history.

Background

The Thirty Years’ War was one of the most devastating conflicts in European history. It began in 1618 as a religious war between Catholics and Protestants in the Holy Roman Empire but soon grew into a larger conflict involving many European powers. By 1635, both sides were exhausted and eager to bring an end to the fighting.

The Terms of the Treaty

The Peace of Prague was primarily negotiated by Maximilian I, Elector of Bavaria, on behalf of Ferdinand II, and by representatives of Saxony and Brandenburg on behalf of the Protestant states. The terms of the treaty were as follows:

  • Recognition of Calvinism as an accepted religion alongside Lutheranism within the Holy Roman Empire
  • Restoration of all confiscated church property from before January 1627
  • Reinstatement of all Protestant rulers who had been deposed since 1627
  • Protestant states would be allowed to form alliances with foreign powers for defensive purposes only
  • The Swedes were not party to this treaty but were invited to adhere to its terms if they agreed to make peace with Ferdinand II within six weeks.

Impact on European History

The Peace of Prague marked a turning point in the Thirty Years’ War. With most Protestant territories now at peace with each other and with Ferdinand II, it became clear that there would be no military solution to the conflict. The treaty also recognized the growing power of the individual German states, which would eventually lead to the decline of the Holy Roman Empire.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Peace of Prague was a significant event in European history that brought an end to one of the most devastating wars on the continent. It established a new political order and paved the way for further developments in Germany and Europe as a whole. The use of diplomacy instead of force demonstrated that peaceful negotiations can be more effective than military action in resolving conflicts.