What were the primary causes of the Thirty Years' War?
The primary causes included religious conflicts between Protestants and Catholics, political power struggles within the Holy Roman Empire, and the Habsburg dynasty's ambitions.
How did the Protestant Reformation contribute to the war?
The Protestant Reformation increased religious tensions in Europe, challenging Catholic authority and leading to conflicts like the Thirty Years' War.
What role did political power struggles play in starting the war?
Political power struggles, including those within the Holy Roman Empire, exacerbated religious tensions, leading to war.
How did the Habsburg dynasty influence the beginning of the Thirty Years' War?
The Habsburgs sought to consolidate power and strengthen Catholic hegemony, which contributed to the outbreak of war.
Explain the Defenestration of Prague and its significance in the war's causes.
The Defenestration of Prague was an event where Protestant nobles threw Catholic officials out a window, escalating tensions and leading to war.