What Happened During the Second Defenestration of Prague?
The Second Defenestration of Prague is a significant event in history that took place on May 23, 1618. It played a crucial role in triggering the Thirty Years’ War, one of Europe’s most devastating conflicts. This incident occurred at Prague Castle in the Kingdom of Bohemia, which was then under Habsburg rule.
The Background
During this period, tensions between Catholics and Protestants were high in Bohemia. The Catholic Habsburg rulers sought to suppress Protestantism, leading to growing discontent among the Protestant nobility and citizens. In response, they formed the Protestant Union to protect their rights.
Emperor Matthias II attempted to appease both sides by issuing the Letter of Majesty in 1609. This decree granted religious freedom to Protestants but was later revoked by his successor Ferdinand II, who aimed to reestablish Catholic dominance.
The Spark
The conflict escalated when Ferdinand II ordered the closure of several Protestant chapels in Prague Castle. In protest, a group of Protestant leaders sought an audience with Ferdinand’s regents, Jaroslav Borzita von Martinitz and Wilhelm Slavata.
On that fateful day in May 1618, a delegation of Protestants stormed into a room where Martinitz and Slavata were present. Fueled by frustration and anger, they accused the regents of violating their religious rights and threw them out of a window along with their secretary Philip Fabricius.
The Symbolic Act
This act wasn’t just an act of violence; it carried symbolic significance. The defenestration (throwing someone out of a window) was seen as an act of defiance against the Catholic Habsburg rule. It was a powerful statement that the Protestant nobility wasn’t willing to be silenced and would fight for their rights.
The Aftermath
The defenestration had far-reaching consequences. Martinitz, Slavata, and Fabricius miraculously survived the fall, albeit with minor injuries. This event caused an uproar among both Catholics and Protestants throughout Europe.
Protestant Bohemians rallied behind the defenestrators, viewing their actions as a defense of religious freedom. On the other hand, Catholics saw it as a heinous act of rebellion against legitimate authority.
War Breaks Out
The Second Defenestration of Prague marked the beginning of the Bohemian Revolt against Habsburg rule. The Bohemians declared Ferdinand II deposed and elected Frederick V, Elector Palatine, as their new king.
This led to a chain reaction across Europe, with various powers taking sides based on religious affiliation and political interests. The conflict escalated into what is known as the Thirty Years’ War, devastating large parts of Central Europe and claiming millions of lives.
In Conclusion
The Second Defenestration of Prague was a pivotal event that ignited the Thirty Years’ War. This act of protest by Protestant nobility represented their resistance against religious oppression by Catholic rulers. The conflict that ensued had lasting repercussions on European politics, religion, and society.