Prague under the Habsburgs

Under the Habsburgs, Prague is with Vienna and Budapest one of the three empire capitals. But the sporadic movements of rebellion or submission caused the weakening of the town privileges.

From 1583 to 1612, under Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor, it is an imperial capital again and knows a cultural prosperity period ended by the second defenestration of Prague in 1618 which causes conflicts between the Czech nobility, largely protestant, and the imperial and catholic power of the Habsburgs. In Europe, it corresponds the beginning of the Thirty Years’ War .

Prague and the Thirty Years’ War

The defeat of the Czech army in the battle of White Mountain in November 1620 gives an end to the hopes of the Bohemian states to get their independence.
The Counter-Reformation is at its maximum, protestant Czech people have the choice between conversion or exile.

Peace of Prague is signed on 30 May 1635 between the Holy Roman Empire and most of the Empire’s Lutheran provinces during the Thirty Year’s War. In 1648, the left bank is invaded and spoiled by the Swedish protestant armies just before the Westaphalia treaties gives an end to the Thirty Years’ War.

Prague and the War of the Austrian Succession

In 1741, during the War of the Austrian Succession, Frederick II of Prussia’s army takes the city. A few years later, during the Seven Years’ War, in the Battle of Prague, on 6 May 1757, Prussians beat Austrians and Russians.

On 12 February 1784 the city of Prague is officially born from the merge of four original towns which are Hradčany, the « noble » quarter around Prague Castle, Malá Strana, the “Lesser Town” situated between Hradčany and the Vltava, the Old Town of Prague and the New City of Prague.