The Swedish Intervention in the 30 years war
When France entered openly into the war in 1635. Oxenstierna, the Swedish chancellor, anxious to preserve Sweden's hold in Germany, supported Richelieu. The final stage of the Thirty Years War began. The war now occupied most of Europe, with fighting in the Low Countries, where the United Provinces and France opposed Spain; in Italy, where France and Spain struggled for power; in France; in Germany; in the Iberian peninsula, where Portugal revolted against, and France attacked, Spain; and in the North, where Denmark opposed Sweden. King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden declared against the emperor. He had an agreement with France. Cardinal Richelieu was also France entered openly into the war in 1635. Oxenstierna, the Swedish chancellor, anxious to preserve Sweden's hold in Germany, supported Richelieu. The final stage of the Thirty Years War began. The war now occupied most of Europe, with fighting in the Low Countries, where the United Provinces and France opposed Spain; in Italy, where France and Spain struggled for power; in France; in Germany; in the Iberian peninsula, where Portugal revolted against, and France attacked, Spain; and in the North, where Denmark opposed Sweden. Concerned about the growth of Hapsburg power. Swedish troops came to Germany. Ferdinand had been convinced by court advisers to dismiss Wallenstein. Tilly took command of the army. He took Magdeburg. The Protestant princes were at first hesitant to join the Swedes. He was unsure whether to join Tilly or Adolphus. Finally, he decided on Adolphus who offered more attractive terms.King Gustavus Adolphus landed in Germany with a well-trained professional army (July 4, 1630). He soon demonstrated his abilities as a innovative military commander, becoming known as the "Lion of the North". He placed great emphasis on mobility. Gustavus Adolphus' army achieved a great victory over the Tilly and Imperial army at the battle of Breitenfeld. This retained northern Germany for the Protestants. Gustavus Adolphus advanced deeper into Germany and beat Tilly in the battle of the Lech. Tilly was fatally wounded. The now desperate Emperor was forced to recall Gustavus Adolphus moved south. An indecisive battle occurred at Nuremberg. Gustavus Adolphus withdrew north closer to his supply bases and supportive northern German Protestants. Wallenstein defeated the Saxon forces.
The King and Wallenstein fought again, this time at Lützen. Lützen was one of the most important battles of the Thirty Years War. It was a major Protestant victory, but cost them their most able commander. Gustavus Augustus gained a great victory the Imperial forces, but he was killed in the battle. This meant that the Protestant anti-Hapsburg troops no longer had a strong leader. Lützen was Wallenstein's great defeat and was unable to mount any major offensive. He did entered into protracted negotiations with the Protestants. Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar, part of the anti-Imperial coalition took Regensburg. In 1634, the swedes lost at Nordligen, with their army crippled to the extent that further assault was impossible, leaving Ferdinand in control of Germany.
The King and Wallenstein fought again, this time at Lützen. Lützen was one of the most important battles of the Thirty Years War. It was a major Protestant victory, but cost them their most able commander. Gustavus Augustus gained a great victory the Imperial forces, but he was killed in the battle. This meant that the Protestant anti-Hapsburg troops no longer had a strong leader. Lützen was Wallenstein's great defeat and was unable to mount any major offensive. He did entered into protracted negotiations with the Protestants. Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar, part of the anti-Imperial coalition took Regensburg. In 1634, the swedes lost at Nordligen, with their army crippled to the extent that further assault was impossible, leaving Ferdinand in control of Germany.