The 17th Century Crisis: Crash Course European History #11

CrashCourse
29 Jun 201913:30
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video script delves into the 'seventeenth century crisis,' highlighting the convergence of the Little Ice Age, the Thirty Years War, and the Price Revolution. It discusses the climatic shifts starting around 1570 that led to decreased harvests and societal upheaval, the inflation caused by an influx of precious metals from the Americas, and the devastating impact of the Thirty Years War on Central Europe. The script captures the complexity of these historical events and their profound effects on society, economy, and culture, ultimately leading to a shift towards more practical concerns in governance and a marked human cost.

Takeaways
  • 🌡️ The 'Seventeenth Century Crisis' was marked by the Little Ice Age, which began around 1300 and intensified from 1570, leading to a significant drop in temperatures globally.
  • 🌍 The Little Ice Age's impact was widespread, causing intense rainfall, lack of sunshine, and lower temperatures that resulted in decreased harvests, hypothermia, dropped birth rates, and increased famines and cannibalism in Europe.
  • 💰 A 'price revolution' occurred due to a combination of factors including population growth and inflation caused by an influx of precious metals from the Americas, which devalued coinage and led to higher prices for food and goods.
  • 🥜 The 30 Years War (1618-1648) was a devastating conflict primarily triggered by religious differences between Catholics and Protestants within the Holy Roman Empire and involved multiple European states.
  • 🏰 The Defenestration of Prague in 1618, where Protestant lords threw Catholic representatives out of a window, marked the beginning of the 30 Years War and was a significant event in European history.
  • 🛡️ The war was characterized by extreme brutality, with widespread killing, starvation, and atrocities such as roasting people alive, torture, and rape becoming standard behavior.
  • 🌨️ The Little Ice Age, along with the 30 Years War, led to significant economic crashes, making it difficult for people to sell their property and escape the violence and harsh conditions.
  • 🤝 The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 finally ended the 30 Years War, with concessions made on both religious and political fronts, signaling a shift towards more practical concerns in government policy.
  • 📉 Mortality rates during the 17th century were very high globally due to the combined effects of the Little Ice Age and the devastating warfare, with central Europe losing 20% of its population and areas of intense fighting losing up to 50%.
  • 🌟 Despite the crises, the 17th century also saw the development of the modern view of science and its benefits, illustrating that history is composed of many interconnected human stories.
Q & A

  • What is the 'seventeenth century crisis' referred to in the script?

    -The 'seventeenth century crisis' refers to a period of significant turmoil and upheaval in European history, characterized by climate change, catastrophic wars, economic instability, and social distress.

  • What were the effects of the Little Ice Age on Europe?

    -The Little Ice Age led to decreased harvests due to intense rainfall, lack of sunshine, and lower temperatures. This resulted in hypothermia, lower birth rates, increased famines, and in extreme cases, cannibalism.

  • How did the influx of precious metals from the Americas contribute to the 'price revolution'?

    -The influx of precious metals from the Americas led to inflation, as the increased supply of these metals decreased their value. This caused prices for food and other goods to rise, making it harder for people to afford basic necessities.

  • What was the Defenestration of Prague and why was it significant?

    -The Defenestration of Prague was an event in 1618 where Protestant lords threw the representatives of the Catholic King Ferdinand II out of a window in Prague Castle. It marked the beginning of the Thirty Years' War and was significant because it escalated religious conflicts in the region.

  • What were the main causes of the Thirty Years' War?

    -The Thirty Years' War was primarily caused by religious tensions between Catholics and Protestants within the Holy Roman Empire. The conflict was further fueled by political ambitions of various European states, including France, Sweden, and Denmark.

  • How did the war impact the economies and societies of Central Europe?

    -The war severely crashed the economies of Central Europe, leading to high rates of mortality, refugee crises, and the breakdown of social and political systems. It also resulted in widespread devastation, famine, and disease.

  • Who was Albrecht von Wallenstein and what was his role in the Thirty Years' War?

    -Albrecht von Wallenstein was a wealthy general hired by Emperor Ferdinand II to confront the Danish threat and continue the conquest of Protestant princes. He played a significant role in the war by leading large armies and expanding the conflict to include more Protestant territories.

  • What was the Edict of Restitution and what were its consequences?

    -The Edict of Restitution was a decree issued by Ferdinand II in 1629 that aimed to confiscate lands that had been Protestant since the Reformation and return them to the Catholic Church. It led to the displacement of many non-Catholics and further intensified religious conflicts.

  • How did the Peace of Westphalia bring an end to the Thirty Years' War?

    -The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 ended the Thirty Years' War by bringing together combatants to negotiate peace. It involved concessions on land and cash, and a recognition of the practical need for peace over religious conflict, leading to a shift in government policy towards more pragmatic concerns.

  • What was the overall human cost of the Thirty Years' War?

    -The Thirty Years' War resulted in a massive loss of life, with an estimated 20 percent of the central European population dying. In areas of intense fighting, the mortality rate was closer to 50 percent.

  • How does the script relate the seventeenth century crisis to contemporary issues?

    -The script draws parallels between the climate change and catastrophic wars of the seventeenth century and contemporary issues, suggesting that while the specific causes may differ, the impacts on human society and the need for collective action to address these challenges remain relevant today.

Outlines
00:00
🌡️ The Seventeenth Century Crisis and the Little Ice Age

This paragraph introduces the concept of the 'seventeenth century crisis,' highlighting its relevance due to its ties to climate change and catastrophic war. The main focus is on the Little Ice Age, a period of cooling climate that began in 1300 and intensified from 1570, leading to a drop in temperature, intense rainfall, reduced sunlight, and lower harvests. This resulted in various societal issues such as hypothermia, lower birth rates, and increased famines and cannibalism. The causes of the Little Ice Age are discussed, including volcanic activity, orbital cycles, and solar radiation changes, contrasting it with contemporary climate change caused by human behavior.

05:03
💰 The Price Revolution and the Escalation of the Thirty Years War

The paragraph delves into the economic challenges of the 17th century, known as the 'price revolution,' which led to increased prices for food and goods due to population growth and inflation caused by an influx of precious metals from the Americas. This economic shift caused confusion and hardship as countries like Spain experienced wealth from new world mining but also rising costs of living. The paragraph then discusses the Thirty Years War (1618-1648), its origins in religious conflict, and the complex involvement of various European states. The Defenestration of Prague is highlighted as a pivotal event leading to the outbreak of the war, and the paragraph outlines the initial conflicts between the Catholic Hapsburg Ferdinand II and Protestant Frederick V of the Palatinate.

10:07
🏰 The Devastation of War and the Struggle for Power

This paragraph continues the discussion on the Thirty Years War, focusing on the military and political strategies employed by both sides, particularly the Catholic Hapsburg Ferdinand II and the Protestant Frederick V. It describes the rise of Albrecht von Wallenstein, his military successes, and the expansion of the war due to his tactics. The paragraph details the brutality of the war, including the treatment of prisoners and civilians, the shift from religious to political motivations, and the widespread devastation and human cost. It also touches on the impact of the Little Ice Age on the war and the eventual shift towards more practical concerns in government policy. The paragraph concludes with the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, which marked the end of the war and the beginning of a new era in European politics and religion.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Seventeenth Century Crisis
The term 'Seventeenth Century Crisis' refers to a period of significant turmoil in European history characterized by climate change, war, and economic instability. This crisis is central to the video's theme as it sets the stage for discussing the various challenges Europe faced during this time. The script mentions this crisis in the context of climate change with the Little Ice Age and catastrophic wars like the Thirty Years War, which significantly impacted Europe's socio-economic and political landscape.
💡Little Ice Age
The 'Little Ice Age' was a period of cooler temperatures that began in 1300 and escalated from 1570, lasting over a hundred years. It is a key concept in the video as it illustrates the environmental challenges of the seventeenth century, affecting agriculture, leading to famines, and altering societal norms. The script describes how this climate phenomenon led to intense rainfall, lack of sunshine, and lower temperatures that decreased harvests and caused suffering among Europeans, contributing to the broader crisis of the century.
💡Price Revolution
The 'Price Revolution' refers to a period of significant inflation in Europe during the 17th century, primarily due to an influx of precious metals from the Americas. This term is crucial to understanding the economic challenges of the time, as it led to higher prices for food and other goods, impacting the standard of living and causing social unrest. The script explains how this economic shift was perplexing for people, especially in Spain, where despite the influx of wealth, the cost of basic necessities increased, leading to hardship.
💡Thirty Years War
The 'Thirty Years War' was a devastating conflict that took place from 1618 to 1648, primarily in Central Europe. It is a central concept in the video as it represents the catastrophic wars of the seventeenth century. The war was initially sparked by religious tensions between Catholics and Protestants but evolved to involve broader political and territorial disputes. The script details the destructive impact of the war, with millions of deaths, including from starvation, and the long-term effects on the political and religious landscape of Europe.
💡Defenestration of Prague
The 'Defenestration of Prague' was a significant event that marked the beginning of the Thirty Years War. It involved Protestant nobles throwing representatives of the Catholic King Ferdinand II out of a window in Prague. This term is essential to the video's narrative as it illustrates the religious tensions and political conflicts of the time. The script humorously notes that this was the second defenestration in Prague's history, highlighting the absurdity and drama of European politics during the seventeenth century.
💡Albrecht von Wallenstein
Albrecht von Wallenstein was a military leader hired by Emperor Ferdinand II during the Thirty Years War. His role is important in the video's discussion of the war's progression, as he led imperial forces against the Protestants and contributed to the devastation in Central Europe. The script describes Wallenstein's rise to power and wealth through military conquests and his eventual assassination, reflecting the brutal and complex nature of the conflict.
💡Edict of Restitution
The 'Edict of Restitution' was a decree issued by Ferdinand II in 1629, aimed at reclaiming formerly Catholic lands and forcing non-Catholics to convert or leave their homes. This key concept in the video underscores the religious intolerance and aggressive counter-reformation efforts of the time. The script highlights the edict's harsh implications, leading to further conflict and suffering, as it exacerbated religious tensions and contributed to the war's devastation.
💡Peace of Westphalia
The 'Peace of Westphalia' refers to the series of peace treaties signed in 1648 that ended the Thirty Years War. This concept is pivotal to the video's conclusion, as it marks the end of the conflict and the beginning of a new era in European politics. The script explains that these treaties included concessions from Emperor Ferdinand III and recognized the sovereignty of various states, leading to a shift towards more practical concerns in government policy and a temporary end to religious wars in Europe.
💡Counter-Reformation
The 'Counter-Reformation' was the Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation, aiming to reform the Church and counter the spread of Protestantism. This term is crucial to the video's discussion of religious conflict in the seventeenth century. The script describes how the Counter-Reformation fueled the Thirty Years War and how figures like Ferdinand II were driven by its zeal, leading to harsh measures against non-Catholics and a focus on religious conformity.
💡Cannibalism
The term 'cannibalism' is mentioned in the video to illustrate the extreme desperation and suffering caused by the combined effects of the Little Ice Age, war, and economic instability. It is a stark example of the human cost of the seventeenth-century crisis, as people resorted to such acts out of hunger and survival. The script uses this term to emphasize the severity of the conditions during this period and the breakdown of societal norms.
💡Refugee Crisis
The 'Refugee Crisis' refers to the mass displacement of people due to the war and the harsh conditions of the Little Ice Age. This concept is significant in the video as it highlights the human impact of the seventeenth-century crisis. The script describes how people were forced to leave their homes multiple times, leading to widespread suffering and a breakdown of social structures. It underscores the tragic consequences of the environmental and political turmoil of the time.
Highlights

The discussion of the 'seventeenth century crisis' which involves climate change and catastrophic war.

The Little Ice Age's impact on global climate, beginning in 1300 and escalating in 1570, leading to a significant drop in temperature and severe weather conditions.

The effects of the Little Ice Age on Europe, including intense rainfall, lack of sunshine, decreased harvests, hypothermia, dropped birth rates, and increased famines and cannibalism.

The possible causes of the Little Ice Age, such as volcanic activity, orbital cycles, or cyclical lows in solar radiation, contrasting with contemporary climate change caused by human behavior.

The 'price revolution' of the 17th century, characterized by higher prices for food and other goods, influenced by population growth and inflation due to an influx of precious metals from the Americas.

The Defenestration of Prague, a pivotal event that marked the beginning of the 30 Years War, triggered by religious tensions between Catholics and Protestants.

The 30 Years War's devastating impact on Central Europe, resulting in the death of millions, including from starvation caused by the war.

The complex political landscape of the 30 Years War, involving various states within the Holy Roman Empire and other European powers like France, Sweden, and Denmark.

The economic crashes due to the Little Ice Age, inflation, and war, making it difficult for people to dispose of their property and leading to refugee crises.

The entry of Protestant King Christian IV of Denmark into the war to block imperial expansion and protect Protestant interests.

The role of Albrecht von Wallenstein, a wealthy general hired by Emperor Ferdinand II, whose military successes led to significant land acquisitions and influence.

The brutality of the war, including the treatment of prisoners and the shift from religious motivations to political and survival-based conflicts.

The horrors faced by civilians, including violence, hunger, cold, and disease, as armies wandered across central Europe causing destruction.

The Peace of Westphalia in 1648, which marked the end of the 30 Years War, with concessions made due to exhaustion and the devastating impact of the Little Ice Age.

The high mortality rates in the seventeenth century due to the combined effects of the Little Ice Age and the Thirty Years War.

The emergence of the modern view of science and its benefits amidst the crises of the seventeenth century, illustrating the complexity and diversity of human history.

Transcripts

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Related Tags
European HistoryClimate ChangePrice Revolution30 Years WarReligious ConflictHistorical CrisisFerdinand IIHapsburg DynastyCannibalismPeace of Westphalia