The political situation before the advent of baroque in Bohemia
In Bohemia Habsburgs ( the Austrian ruling dynasty ) had been governing since 1526. In the 16. century the religious schism came, not only in Bohemia, but also neighbouring Germany. The new churches, witch arose in the time, turned away from dependence on the Catholic church and the Pope.
The reaction of the Habsburgs at the religious events was influenced by the Council of Trident, which was proceeding from 1545 to 1563 and where the conditions for the European counter - reformation (the purposeful effort of the Catholics to prevent the church from
reformation ) were created. The council was called together by Emperor Charles V., who strove for the agreement between Catholics and Protestants.
Jesuits
Catholic brotherhood of friars clerics was established by Ignatius of Loyla in 1534. They strongly influenced the Habsburgs, who tried hard to reeducate the Czech nation. In the time after the Battle of White Mountain the Jesuits´ educational system became a support of counterreformation. In education they achieved succes thanks to their well - considered access to students, discipline and attention of the education of teachers.
The Klementinum, former Jesuit college, Prague 1 - Staré Město
White Mountain
From 1618 to 1620 the Insurrection of the Estates passed off and government of 30 directors was established. Czechs refused their obedience to Mathias ( Czech king and German Emperor ), but he died in 1619 and after him Ferdinand II ascended the throne. Czechs refused him and chose their own king Frederick Palatine ( 1619 - 1620 ). Habsburgs didn´t agree with this situation and that is why the battle of White Mountain came about (8-11-1620), where Czechs were defeated. This battle was the beginning of 1.period of Thirty Years' War, owning to these events 27 Czechs lords - leaders of the insurrection were executed
( 21-6-1621) .
The Habsburgs started to purpose the recatholization more aggressively, they used it to reinforce and centralize their power.
Together with recatholization they promoted hardening of serfdom
( abolished 1781 by Emperor Franz Joseph II.)
Lots of people emigrated because of religious reasons, among them also outstanding personalities like J.A.Comenius.
The advent of Baroque
Baroque penetrated to Czech lands after the Battle of White Mountain an direct connection with the expansion of Catholic church. At the beginning this artistic style, which was the style of life too, struck the barrier of strict protestantism. Afterwards the Baroque caught on and was accepted by all sections of the society. Despite the losses caused by the emigration of non - Catholics thanks to Baroque the country became a lively cultural environment, which marked the appearance of our lands forever.
Prague, Troja Castle