Winter King in Prague

In 1608 the tension increased between the Catholic parts and the Protestant parts of the Empire. The Protestants entered a union under the prince Fredrik of Pfalz that was supported by Brandenburg and Hessen-Kassel. The Catholics answered by forming a union of their own, the Catholic league. In 1618 the Protestants of Bohemia rebelled and choose a Protestant king of Bohemia, Fredrik of Pfalz. The emperor couldn't accept this, as he also was king of Bohemia. He sent his experienced commander Tilly with his troops to Bohemia and in the battle of the White Mountain, Fredrik of Pfalz's reign ended. All Protestant resistance in Austria and southern Germany was crushed. Fredrik escaped from Bohemia and was named 'The Winter King' due to his short reign.