The Estates Revolt in Bohemia in 1547

The uprising was triggered by the absolutist policies of King Ferdinand I of Habsburg, aimed at reducing the political influence of the privileged estates and the recatolization of the lands of the Bohemian Crown.

In Germany, while most Protestant princes had hitherto favored negotiation with the Emperor and while many had supported him in his wars, they became increasingly confrontational during this decade.

[1] The most active supporters of the uprising were the citizens of Prague, as well as the nobles who belonged to the community of the Unitas fratrum, or Bohemian Brethren (predecessors of the Moravian Church).

A direct reason for the Prague uprising of the Estates was the attempt of Ferdinand I to provide military and financial support to his brother Emperor Charles V in his war with the Protestant Schmalkaldic League of German principalities.

In December 1546, King Ferdinand I tried to obtain the consent of the General Sejm to allocate funds to finance the imperial troops, but received a categorical refusal.