Lens and Prague 1648 - the End of the Thirty Years' War DOCUMENTARY
Our animated historical documentary series on the Thirty Years' War comes to the end with a video on the battles of Lens and Prague of 1648 and the subsequent peace of Westphalia which ended the conflict. In the aftermath of the battle of Zusmarshausen, the Holy Roman Empire attempts to drive the attention away from Bavaria by attacking in Arras, leading to the battle of Lens between Conde and Beck, while the Swedes under Konigsmarck attack Prague to get a better deal during the peace conference.
Previous videos in our series on the 30 Years' War: bit.ly/2ZEcxQD
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This video was narrated by Officially Devin ( / @offydgg & / @gameworldnarratives )
Machinimas were made on Total War: Empire engine by Malay Archer ( / mathemedicupdates , using the Total War Empire 1660AD mod
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#Documentary #ThirtyYearsWar #Kingsandgenerals
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We will release 2 more interesting videos by the end of the year, so smash that bell button! Show notes! 0. Our dear patron Arstan Fogx helped with the research. The Siege of Prague section was only available in Czech, so his translation was invaluable. Shoutout! 1. This series will have a long-form video that will go into detail about a bunch of battles we didn't cover. Another series is done, which means we can start a new one in 2021. Consider becoming our patron to vote on the next series: www.patreon.com/KingsandGenerals or press the Join button under the video. 2. We are planning to cover every conflict mentioned at the end of the video. Will take time, but it will happen. Honestly, it is one of our favorite periods, so it is sad that it doesn't get as many views as our videos on the Ancient or Medieval wars. 3. Despite the fact that this period is much more detailed in sources than anything before it, there are still very frustrating holes in the narrative. For instance, after Gallas was dismissed, it seems that no new commander was appointed to lead this front. Was the Emperor so lax in his judgment? Or were the Swedes so passive for so long that no attack was expected? It is perplexing and we actually failed to finds an answer. Seems that Colloredo had some kind of seniority, since he was able to order other commanders to rush to defend Prague. 4. Some fun facts: Conde was just 27 during the battle of Lens, making it even more impressive. His career is extremely interesting and we hope to continue covering it in the future. Emperor's new wife Leopoldine was a member of... Habsburgs, obviously. She died just a year later after a difficult labour. Odowalsky is a fun character. Historians of every neighboring country deny that he was one of theirs, so we don't know if he was Czech, Slovak, Pole, or German. Archduke Leopold Wilhelm left (!!!) the battlefield after giving Beck the go-ahead. I am sure it helped the morale of his troops.
I think it is better if you guys could explain (in another video) why Turks were so ineffective in that period.
@@peymanmostafaei6963 good point
@@KingsandGenerals i cant believe it The day is here......Christmas!!!!
@@KingsandGenerals I like to say you that why you selected Hannibal in Twitter round The Muslim General Khalid bin Waleed was winner of comments and wars too
Great video as always. A great topic for a video is the march of the ten thousand.
You know the war is starting to become exhausting when Conde decides to form up and wait a little while.
Did Conde just demonstrate character progression? How could he resist the urge to charge?
That's his arc.
Don't get your hopes high.
Well, during the "Fronde" he become "too cautious",
I was surprised as well. I'm like "wait Conde didn't charge up that hell?" Conde's ineptitude was so staggering that I was left speechless when he demonstrated some rare competence. Maybe he won't need Tuerenne to carry his anymore! Can't wait for Conde vs Turenne - Civil unrest version.
@@omarbradley6807 probably lost his courage to personal guilt for his previous costly defeats
- Hey! We signed a peace treaty! Stop attacking! - What? - We signed a peace treaty! Stop attacking! - I don't know what you talking about! Never heard of it. - Imperial forces are on the way! - We signed a peace treaty!
To be fair, the Swedes probably[?] lost a lot more men during the sieges than the 'Imperials' with their defenders advantage. If they take the city, or get more compensation at least, then those losses may become justified. If they leave just before cracking them, the losses feel like a waste. Colloredo and the citizens were very brave and stubborn to just barely hold on like they did, but I can totally understand the Swedish position. Tactically I would've done the same thing if I'd already invested so much into the siege -- especially if they had almost cracked completely. Maybe instead of surrender he could've asked for a bunch of loot? But who knows if that was a thing in that time...
@@e7venjedi Well, some of the loot they got can be considered invaluable. And the seige put alot of pressure on the enemy side during the negotiation table.
"While Europe speak of peace, all other battles cease There’s a man who aims for more than he can reach....."
Stand, and fight! The city is burning! Königsmarck lost, stopped him at Karlov most!
Three decades of war Has man gone insane A few will remain Who finds a way To live one more day
@@khpiash6865 Through decades of war It spreads like disease Theres no sign of peace Religion and greed Cause milions to bleed
Louis XIV ?
@@philipptreichl3552 The road to the city's been blocked, Denied, On that very night, Though they tried.
Can only imagine a big smile on Condé's face after he realized he had a strategic reason to charge with cavalry in the end.
“Paris did what it does best”. Good to know nothing have changed in 500 years.
@@robinderoos1166 Better not let a Parisian hear you because they'll fuck you up
@@robinderoos1166 And this is the point where this man is dragged through the streets and then beheaded by the mob and said piece of meat is placed on a pike.
@@JonManProductions That's pretty much parisian custom isn't it?
@@shadowraven3253 LOL Yeah if anything I'd say that's what Paris does best
@@hotsprinkles you wouldnt say a thing
The main reason why Czechs although they were mainly protestant fought "for the emperor" was that they didn't want Swedes to loot their city. They just wanted peace already. People were tired of constant war.
Quick history fact: Czech population dropped in this war from 1million to 250 thousands. Thats how devastating this war was.
@@BLRSharpLight what?
The Czechs fought with the Swedes against the Habsburgs. Unfortunately, peace meant enormous oppression for them.
@@06vh True
FOR THE EMPEROR!!!!!
Ah yes... "Peace in Europe".
Yes...in italy...
We have dismissed that claim
A toast! To peace in Europe!
@@mattmacaulay2900 Ah yes, the council.
"pieces"
"As Paris does what it does best" One of the constent in Europe history and politics
Yes
Conde: "Friends, do you remember Rocroi? Freiburg? Nordlingen?" Soldiers: *PTSD intensifies*
Condé : "Oh yeah, it's charging time"
He actually didn't! the madman didn't charge up that hill! This should be considered a miracle.
@@karimm.elsayad9539 This was exactly my reaction
Guys, the episode is great but there is one small detail you missed - there was only one bridge in Prague at that time. The Manes bridge was built in 1914....
Exactly. And there was actually no second bridge until 19th century.
"Unconquered city on Vltavas shore Start of the conflict and end of the war Unconquered city on Vltavas shore Is protected by its people And thirty years ago the war begun It has returned to where it started"
The road to the city has been blocked Denied (They’re denied) To enter the gates Though they tried (Though they tried) When Prague was called to arms They fought them on the bridge Their freedom was at stake Stand and fight, the city is burning Königsmarck lost, stopped him at Karluv Most. Stained by blood, their brothers die side by side Did what they could Died where they stood
Kings a Generals: "Conde, this is your Austerlitz" Conde: "excuse me ?"
More like Cannae
Louis Conde, Duk D'Enghien, had a decendant, whose execution sparked the war of the third coalition, where Austerlitz happened,
@@omarbradley6807 Conde: "Say what ?!"
@@omarbradley6807 He was involved the bombing attempt on Napoleon .
@@Durahan82 Of course he was, also was sending money for the Chouans and Vendeans, so Napoleon did the right thing, but still an ironic twist, compare "Austerlitz" to Conde's predecesor
The presentation about the Peace of Westphalia and how it reveals even more wars in the future all over europe is incredibly epic. Looks like something that would be in an epilogue of a movie and a teaser for a sequel.
Nice to see another finished series. 👍🏽
Another? What was the first?
@@aleksapetrovic6519 Gallic Wars
European peasant, climbing out of the burning ruins: Why are we still here? Just to suffer?
Thank you all!
Stand, and fight! The city is burning! Königsmarck lost, stopped him at Karlov most!
STAINED, BY BLOOD! THEIR BROTHERS DIE SIDE BY SIDE DIE WHERE THEY STOOD, DIE WHERE THEY COULD
“There is one more task, the savage lands of the Balkans!”
“Oh we forgot the Balkans”
@@alexanderthegreat445 Oh coitus, we forgot the Balkans!
"What about Luxembourg?" "Let's use it for storage."
@@AzureDragon100 P I C K L E D H E R R I N G
Just saying but besides the savage lands of the balkans there is also the savage highlands of Scotland and even though I am part Scottish because my paternal grandfathers paternal grandmothers maiden name is Murray like back before the thirty years war broke out in the Middle Ages and still today were fierce warriors and had fierce and killing weapons like the battle axe of Robert the Bruce that smashed a helmet and a person’s skull in two and secret weapons like the dirk and for those of you who don’t know what a dirk is it’s a dagger that was used in close combat and it was used by the clans of Scotland and the Scottish infantry regiments and the imperial Japanese navy and with the dirk they were able to use one a shock tactic used by the scotts and that tactic was the feared highland charge and the charge was employed over firm ground and downhill and they needed speed so they took off the clothing from the lower body and ran forward in a wedge shaped formation but then in affective musket range those with firearms would shoot gun smoke and the smoke obscured the enemies aim and then when the enemies fired their volley the Highlanders would crouch low to the ground and then they would drop their firearms and edged weapons would be drawn and then the clans would let out a battle cry and on reaching striking distance the highlander would attempt to take the opponent’s sword or bayonet point on his targe which is a shield 🛡 while lunging in low to deliver an upward thrust to the enemies torso but besides the highland charge another tactic used by the Scott’s was the Schiltron which is a compact forming a phalanx and the Schiltron was most famous at the battle of Bannockburn because before the battle of Bannockburn Robert the Bruce drilled his troops in the offensive Use of the pike and he was able to fight the English on flat firm ground suitable for the large force of English Calvary and Robert the Bruce’s new tactic was a response to a crushing defeat at the battle of falkirk where king Edward the first of England crushed the army of Scottish patriot William Wallace.
I'm so early that people haven't started spamming Sabaton songs in the comments yet
and who'll find a way. to live one more day, through decades of war!
Three decades of war Has man gone insane A few will remain Who finds a way To live one more day Religion and greed Caused millions to bleed
Stand, and fight! The city is burning! Königsmarck lost, stopped him at Karlov most!
@@khpiash6865 Sabaton also made a song about this siege in particular.
@@markhenley3097 what's the name of the heavy metal?
The war that finally broke all semblance of "authority", of the Holy Roman Emperors. From there until 1806 only a facade remained.
Disagree. The threat of French, Swedish, and other foreign intervention actually united the German princes around the Emperor, at least until the end of the 17th century. Again and again at the Perpetual Diet of Regensburg, the Empire was able to form a common front against the French and Turk. Just look at how many Reichskriegge were declared in the latter half of the 17th century. This German unity peaked during the Great Turkish and Nine Years’ War, wars which were fought by and on the behalf of the entire German nation.
Napoleon is the one who actually killed it.
@@samueljay4632 The Holy Roman Empire as I see it is no longer a proper empire at this point but a patchwork of loosely confederated states who preferred to cooperate with other princes and the Emperor based on their self-interests rather than obeying the will of the Emperor. The Nine Years war and the Great Turkish War didn’t involve the entirety of the Empire against a foreign foe only the Emperor’s personal domains and some princes usually the ones bordering a foreign enemy or nearby states bordering the Emperor’s territories. Just look at the Battle of Vienna in 1683. Despite the Emperor’s call for the Empire’s defence against the Ottomans, only a few princes heed the call, most notably Bavaria, Saxony and Lorraine whereas states like Brandenburg-Prussia and Brunswick stayed neutral. It is quite laughable that the King of France could muster all his troops from his entire kingdom whereas the Holy Roman Emperor had to make concessions and compromises to the various princes within the empire to request troops otherwise he has to raise it from his own domain. Overall, the Emperor/Empress no longer had the Imperial Authority to enact his or her will to the princes but had to listen to their demands to do so. The Peace of Augsburg in 1555 showed that the Emperor didn’t have the power to keep Catholicism as it’s official religion but allowed the princes to worship Lutheranism in exchange of preventing religious conflicts in the Empire.
@@hoonshiming99 It hadn’t been a proper empire for many years before 1648, though. The Empire was arguably even more decentralized in the Late Middle Ages than in the 16th-18th centuries, as was France. But unlike France, the Empire failed to effectively centralize in the early modern period. It’s not that it decentralized after 1648, it’s that it had already been decentralized for centuries and failed to move past the feudal medieval system of organization. And in the short term, the chaos of the Thirty Years’ War united the Princes behind the Emperor much more than they had been before. It is notable that France had no German allies in the Nine Years’ War, when previously their strategy had been to divide the Empire and ally with the Protestant princes against the Emperor. Similarly, the fact that imperial estates as distant as Bavaria and Lorraine were fighting against the Turks shows the extent to which the princes had rallied around the Habsburgs. In previous Turkish wars, the Empire had never gotten outside German support and only fought using the Austrian regiments, but in the 1680s Leopold used the Imperial Circles to order states like Bavaria and Saxony to raise troops for an Imperial army, which was a pretty big power grab on the Emperor’s part. The Princes supported the Emperor because they had come to view outside powers like France and the Ottomans as the greater threat to their independence. To quote the book “International Politics and Warfare in the Age of Louis XIV and Peter the Great”, “Louis XIV succeeded in alienating most of the Germanies and did more than Emperor Leopold to bring about German unity."
@@samueljay4632 True, but you can’t deny that there’s been a decrease of Imperial Authority from its foundation until 1806. Early Emperors of the Ottonian, Salian, Hohenstaufen, and arguably the Carolingian dynasties could command so much power over the princes and muster the Empire’s troops at an almost full capacity. Whereas later Emperors such as the Wittelsbach and Luxembourg dynasties couldn’t maintain that authority. Not even the Hapsburgs which ruled far longer than the above mentioned dynasties could achieved that compared to its predecessors. Again such unity against a powerful external foe like France and the Ottomans doesn’t change the fact that Imperial Authority is waning. It is the princes will to choose whether they should join in the defence of the Emperor or leave it not by the decree of the Emperor. Once that external threat has diminished, the princes will bicker and fight among themselves that even the Emperor couldn’t control them. It is not until the founding of the German Empire that the Emperor could mobilise the entirety of its nation’s manpower by his authority alone.
What a way to end the video. The sound of clashing swords as they spread across Europe. I can't wait to see the upcoming videos.
"Unconquered city on Vltava's shore, START of the conflict, And END of the War!" 😂😂😂👌
"And England, for applying in 28 days, gets this charming carriage clock."
Parky promised me a pen, too.
I do quite like the sound of that shop selling straw.
That was one juicy encirclement
Hannibal would be proud
Condé achieved a masterpiece with the battle of Lens. this serie was great. Thank you for this!
At 14:54 -"Paris did what it does best" LOL
The end of the video showing all the ensuing big wars gave me goosebumps. Makes you realize that back then there was constantly war somewhere in Europe.
It's really only been since the end of World War 2 that there hasn't been war in Europe, and even that streak was broken with the Yugoslav wars.
@@baha3alshamari152 Unless Im wrong, Armenia and Azerbaijan are not on the European continent. The caucasus mountains are the border.
Quick history fact: Czech population dropped in this war from 1million to 250 thousands. Thats how devastating this war was.
That is 750 thousand. Just...Just how do you kill that many. Especially if it wasn't intentional
Next, Louis XIV's wars. His wars with his generals are interesting to learn about. L'etat C'est moi
Most underrated conflicts ever
Louis XIV !
What about 80 years war? Let's put that pike in the Flanders!
@@aleksapetrovic6519 a person of culture
@@bjorntorlarsson Vauban against Coehoorn
The Italian states watch all this in silence, while Europe goes up in flames...
There were wars here and there, but nothing much. Tensions were high in Italy, because of the war and they had to worry about Ottomans. Trade was starting to decline because of Americas. Beside, they had their own Thirty Years War known as Italian wars 100 years ago and it was 60 years long.
Italy would be at war soon enough later in the 17th century. The Duke of Savoy still had an important role to play in the wars of France vs the Grand Alliance
The biggest surprise is the Ottomans not attemping to take advantage.
@@Yugioh_Turk yeah im' suprised too
@@Yugioh_Turk they were occupied with Safavids, greatest Safavid Shah Abbas I inflicted many bloody losses on Ottomans but they at end managed to take back lands, but were in no shape to launch invasion into Europe, Europe was extremely lucky that ottoman weren't free at that time
The most mentioned name in all these Thirty Years War videos was Torstensson. You have to admire him.
I don't remember the last time I was so invested in something. Followed the documentary as if it were a tv show. Great job!
The battles during the Deluge seem fitting for your next series. It continues Swedish dominance over its enemies and sets the stage for the Great Northern War, whilst exploring the Polish decline and the rise of Imperial Russia, who were neutral during the 30 years war.
Take the hint CA, we want Thirty Years War: A Total War Saga!
Now that would be epic
I see this coming, Spain will be shit or CA will make al.ost all spa ish posseions Austrians
This entire series on the 30yw is fantastic. Great graphics, details, storyline and narrator
All I can say is thanks for the effort and passion put in this series. This was a series of the highest quality.
Great to learn about the end of the Thirty Years' War! Thank you for this amazing video. 👍
Watching the increasing complexity of the war (and the English Civil War) makes the transition between melee heavy pike and shot armies and Napoleonic armies make more sense
I literally just finished watching the rest of the playlist! Great timing!
Its been an incredible series to watch, im glad you guys did the final days of the thirty years' war justice. Watching this has been awesome, excited to see what you guys have planned for future episodes.
Congratulations on finishing the series! Job well done. I can’t wait to keep watching more of your historical videos
You need to combine all of the videos on the 30 years war into one documentary because I’ve forgotten what happened before after so long so I’d love to watch it all in order to not forget in between videos :)
You guys are simply awesome. Not just the narrative, but the music, the graphics... Oh gosh...❤️❤️❤️
Altogether your videos on the Thirty Years War, are so far the best documentary about this conflict I've ever seen. Thank you Kings and Generals
We need more Eastern Roman history!!
Exastly
Yes - although i'd like to see victories for a change, every time Eastern Rome's army gets destroyed i cringe a little. Also early Roman battles too!
maybe he should do a single battle for safavids?
This video is just so good! Thanks for covering the peace of Westphalia as well.
Incredible as always! There is so much hard work and love for history in these videos. Congratulations for finishing this awesome series! Greetings from Argentina!
Congratulations on creating this astonishing piece of art. This was by far your best series. Future generations won't have our problem of lack of educational content thanks to you. I'm looking forward to watching the great northern war series.
You guys simply rock, as someone who loves history (and studies it) im always happy about any of your videos. Keep on the great work in the next year too ! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year K&G :)
Thank you kings and generals for completing this amazing series
Hell of a series on a topic so important but so overlooked. This is why I watch you guys and if I had the money I would donate or buy merch...maybe 2021? I like some of your t-shirts!
1 of ur greatest series has ended ....thanx for working on this complex war
I'm so fascinated by this time period, and this is my favourite series so far. I'm so ecstatic that they're gonna keep focusing on the conflicts surrounding this war.
If you know your Great War history, that area around Lens, Loos, Vermelles, Bethune should strike a nerve.
Greetings from Czech republic, thank you for this video and Happy new year!
I love this series! Thank you very much Kings and Generals :)
Great vídeo! Congratulations for your work. Greetings from Brasil!
Bravo!bravo! Listened in one setting,great documentary,!!!!!
Great series! Thanks for making it. It was very educational!
Finally!!!! Another 30 year war video, Thank you guys for all the hard work.
Re-watching previous episodes before charging into this one ... ... see you in 3 hours
I feel like you guys should do a whole video on the Peace of Westphalia and how much impact it had on our modern world.
Best documentary on thirty years war ever! Thanks for the great work! Just made my day 😆😆
Great series. Thank you!
2 more videos before the new year? Dope. This is my favorite channel!
Thank you for covering this often forgotten topic!
I love your videos. They have only gotten better over time. One suggestion I would like to make is adding a legend to the battles. It is difficult to understand the scale of some battles.
Finally, I've been waiting for this video for a while
THANK YOU Kings and Generals for an amazing series! That last part with the clashing swords revealing every upcoming conflict you will cover seriously gave me the chills! A very well-known period in swedish history is the carolinean era, with Charles X, XI, and especially XII. Their era and the conflicts they were involved in are well documented in history books and documentaries. However, there is no comparison to the amazing videos you create. Covering battles, campaigns and troop movements just the way you do is incredibly educative and makes it fun to learn! When you eventually reach the Scanian wars and especially Great Northern War, your channel will be overrun by excited swedes! If you wish to gather more details about these wars I would happily recommend both known and lesser known swedish historians who I'm sure would gladly help you fill in any gaps that might come up! Keep up your amazing work! - Marcus
Amazing! another finished series to the list
Phenomenal video to conclude a Fantastic Series! Ave, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to the entire K&G team. Looking forward to what you have to offer in 2021
it's not one of the best series IT IS THE BEST SERIES! THANK YOU KING AND GENERAL
Just watched the whole series: excellent as always!
Great work. It's good to see educational content on youtube.
Sad how underrated the Thirty Years war is as a topic and how many effective commanders rose in this period
Excellent video! Thanks for sharing
Thank you for the upload. I love your history lessons
U made my 2020 with this series, thanks
I think a series on the war of Austrian succession would be interesting, I have loved all the videos you have made.
never miss any video from KingsAndGenerals :)
Great work, K&G.
Beck made a classic mistake: "Never give your enemy a second chance at victory."
Yes, indeed, this is one of the interesting periods in the history of Europe. Your videos on this topic are great, but unfortunately for some reason less popular. It's a shame because you put a lot of energy into them. I support you, K&G! Thanks for your hard work
People prefer antiquity and Mongols from here modernity
Great video as always! Are you planning to do a separate more detailed video about the peace of westphalia? It created the idea of sovereignty of states independent from the rank of their ruler and was the basis for international politics up until World War 2.
Great work KaG! I have one remark. Prague at that time had only one bridge - Charles bridge. Mánes bridge was build in 20th century.
Cant wait for the full 30 years war documentary. Gonna be a big banger
Nice video as always.
"Fortunately for him the portion of the city the Swedes occupied was full of riches". I'm not sure he felt that way with Königsmarck enjoying the greatest lootfest of the war. The little side was packed with art, archives and treasures collected across the empire for safekeeping.
True. I just can't imagine what the Swedes would have demanded and got, if they would have been able to take Prague.
Great stuff as always
GREAT PRESENT!! Thanks KGs!
Thank you! I learned so much.
So excited to see what new wars you guys will cover in 2021!
A Brazilian people here , Oh Glory
Keep up the great work guys
astonishing as always
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Kings and Generals!!!!
In the end, Spain was the only country to not get anything out of the whole thing. Which we are used to, by the way.
Well, with those defeats. What could be expected?
Well, Kings and Generals have been pretty unfair with Spain in this series ignoring Spanish victories such as Nordlingen 1634 or Fleurus 1622. They covered their defeats, not their victories.
In Nordlingen for example the Swedish army was invading Bavaria, they were defeated so badly that they had to retreat all the way back to the Baltic shore again, I think that it was pretty decisive
@WILLIAM EWART GLADSTONE Mira mejor camarada, es la batalla de Nordlingen del 1645, no la de la victoria decisiva española. Solamente defiendo lo que veo, que se acentuan las derrotas españolas y se esconden las victorias y así pasa como el comentario de más arriba que nos decía que España se merecía el maltrato en los tratados de paz pensando que solamente perdimos batallas cuando no es verdad. Soy español y tengo que defender a mi país, porque si no lo hacemos los españoles, nadie lo hará, por lo que de conspiranoicos poco.
Hapsburg, Spain same thing
This is what I have been waiting for, 1500's and 1600's battles are my favourite
So this is what a finished K&G series looks like. Amazing! This one was particularly special for me since I live in Prague and have tried to get a better idea of what all the towers and bits of wall around here mean.