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

Summary

In this episode of Crash Course European History, John Green explores the 'seventeenth-century crisis,' a period marked by the Little Ice Age's climate disruptions causing famine and social unrest, and the Thirty Years' War, a devastating conflict over religion that resulted in significant loss of life and economic collapse across Central Europe. The video also touches on the economic challenges of the 'price revolution' and the eventual Peace of Westphalia, which signaled a shift towards more practical governance and the end of religious wars in Europe.

Takeaways

• 🌨️ The 'Seventeenth Century Crisis' was marked by climate change, war, and economic upheaval.
• ❄️ The Little Ice Age, which began around 1300 and escalated after 1570, caused significant cooling and led to decreased harvests, increased famine, and social unrest.
• 🌡️ The temperature shift during the Little Ice Age was about half a degree Celsius on average, but it had profound effects on society.
• 🌱 The crisis was not solely due to human activity; natural phenomena like volcanic activity and changes in solar radiation could have contributed.
• 💰 The 'price revolution' of the 17th century was caused by a growing population and inflation, with an influx of precious metals from the Americas devaluing currency.
• 🔥 The Thirty Years War (1618-1648) was a devastating conflict that resulted in millions of deaths and widespread destruction in Central Europe.
• 🗡️ The war began as a religious conflict between Catholic and Protestant factions but evolved into a broader struggle for power and territory.
• 🏰 The Defenestration of Prague in 1618 was a pivotal event that escalated tensions and led to the outbreak of the war.
• 🌍 The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 ended the war, marking a shift towards more practical governance and a recognition of the devastating human costs of conflict.
• 🌤️ Despite the turmoil, the 17th century also saw the development of modern scientific thought, highlighting the complexity of historical progress.

Q & A

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

The 'seventeenth century crisis' refers to a period marked by climate change, specifically the Little Ice Age, and catastrophic war, including the Thirty Years' War, which had profound effects on Europe.

When did the Little Ice Age begin and what were its effects on Europe?

The Little Ice Age began around 1300, but it escalated starting in 1570. Its effects included intense rainfall, lack of sunshine, and lower temperatures that decreased harvests, leading to hypothermia, a drop in birth rates, and increased famines and cannibalism.

How did the 'price revolution' of the 17th century affect the population?

The 'price revolution' led to higher prices for food and other goods, partly due to population growth and inflation caused by an influx of precious metals from the Americas. This made it harder for people to afford basic necessities.

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

The Defenestration of Prague was an event in 1618 where Protestant lords threw representatives of the Catholic King Ferdinand II out of a window in protest. It's significant because it marked the start of the Bohemian Revolt and contributed to the outbreak of the Thirty Years' War.

How did the Thirty Years' War impact the Holy Roman Empire?

The Thirty Years' War was tremendously destructive to the Holy Roman Empire, leading to millions of deaths, the fracturing of the empire, and significant territorial changes as various states and factions vied for power and religious dominance.

What was the role of Albrecht von Wallenstein in the Thirty Years' War?

Albrecht von Wallenstein was a general hired by Emperor Ferdinand II to confront the Danish threat and continue the conquest of Protestant territories. He raised large armies, expanded the war's scope, and played a significant role until his assassination in 1634.

Why did the Peace of Westphalia end the Thirty Years' War?

The Peace of Westphalia ended the Thirty Years' War because it involved political and economic concessions, exhaustion from the prolonged conflict, and the devastating effects of the Little Ice Age, leading to a desire for peace among the combatants.

What were the consequences of the Thirty Years' War on the central European population?

The Thirty Years' War resulted in a significant loss of life, with approximately 20 percent of the central European population dying, and in areas of intense fighting, the death rate approached 50 percent.

How did the economic and social conditions of the 17th century contribute to the crisis?

The economic and social conditions of the 17th century, including the Little Ice Age's impact on agriculture, inflation due to the influx of precious metals, and the devastation of war, led to economic collapse, social disorder, and widespread suffering.

What was the impact of the Little Ice Age on global temperatures and how does it compare to contemporary climate change?

The Little Ice Age caused a global temperature drop of about half a degree Celsius, with some areas experiencing up to 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit change. This is less than the 1.5 degrees Celsius average global temperature change projected under contemporary climate change, which is primarily caused by human activities.