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Czechoslovakia Hapsburg Absolutism and the Bohemian Estates
Initial Clash
Hapsburg rule brought two centuries of conflict between the
Bohemian estates and the monarchy. As a result of this struggle,
the Czechs lost a major portion of their native aristocracy,
their particular form of religion, and even the widespread use of
the Czech language. The Hapsburg policy of centralization began
with its first ruler, King Ferdinand (1526-64). His efforts to
eliminate the influence of the Bohemian estates were met with
stubborn resistance. But the Bohemian estates were themselves
divided, primarily on religious lines. By several adroit
political maneuvers, Ferdinand was able to establish hereditary
succession to the Bohemian crown for the Hapsburgs. The estates'
inability to establish the principle of electing or even
confirming a monarch made their position considerably weaker.
The conflict in Bohemia was complicated further by the
Reformation and the subsequent wars of religion in Central
Europe. Adherents of the Czech Reformed Church the (Hussites)
opposed the Roman Catholic Hapsburgs, who were in turn supported
by the Czech and German Catholics. The Lutheran Reformation of
1517 introduced an added dimension to the struggle: much of the
German burgher population of Bohemia adopted the Reformed Creed
(both Lutheran and Calvinist); the Hussites split, and one
faction allied with the German Protestants. In 1537 Ferdinand
conceded to the Czechs, recognized the Compact of Basel, and
accepted moderate Utraquism. The reconciliation, however, was of
brief duration.
In 1546 German Protestants united in the Schmalkaldic League
to wage war against the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V. Whereas
Ferdinand wanted to aid his brother, the Hussite and
pro-Protestant Czech nobility sympathized with the German
Protestant princes. Armed conflict between Ferdinand and the
Bohemian estates broke out in 1547. But the Bohemians were not
unified; victory went to Ferdinand, and reprisals against the
Czech rebels followed. The property of Czech Utraquist nobility
was confiscated and their privileges abrogated. Four rebels (two
lesser nobles and two burghers) were executed in the square
before the royal palace. Members of the Unity of Czech Brethren,
a Hussite sect that had figured prominently in the rebellion,
were bitterly persecuted. Their leader, Bishop John Augusta, was
sentenced to sixteen years' imprisonment. Ferdinand, now Holy
Roman Emperor (1556-64), attempted to extend the influence of
Catholicism in Bohemia by forming the Jesuit Academy in Prague
and by bringing Jesuit missionaries into Bohemia.
Data as of August 1987
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