Signing of the Peace of Prague (1635)

The Peace of Prague, dated 30 May 1635 Old Style, ended the German civil war phase of the Thirty Years' War. Concluded between Emperor Ferdinand II and Elector John George I of Saxony, it ended Saxony's support for the anti-Imperial coalition. This withdrawal was a key factor in France entering the war as an ally of Sweden.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The period from 1618 to 1635 was primarily a civil war within the Holy Roman Empire, which largely ended with the Peace of Prague. By 1634, the execution of Albrecht von Wallenstein removed a major obstacle to peace. Ferdinand II had also opened discussions on amending the Edict of Restitution, setting the stage for a negotiated settlement.

Negotiations. Mediated by Denmark-Norway and Hesse-Darmstadt, the parties agreed on a preliminary draft in November 1634 known as the Pirnaer Noteln. Although subject to revisions, this document formed the basis for the final 1635 agreement, which was signed by key Imperial and Saxon representatives.

Consequences. The treaty ended Saxony's support for the Swedish-led coalition. Other Imperial states subsequently joined the treaty, weakening the anti-Habsburg alliance. This development was a key factor in Catholic France entering the war as an ally of Protestant Sweden, following its declaration of war on Spain on 19 May 1635.

People involved

Sources

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