Assassination Of Wallenstein
Political Assassination in Eger
CLASSIFICATION: Assassination
LOCATION
Eger, Holy Roman Empire
TIME PERIOD
February 25, 1634
VICTIMS
5 confirmed
On 25 February 1634, Albrecht von Wallenstein, a prominent generalissimo of the Holy Roman Empire, was assassinated in Eger (present-day Cheb, Czech Republic) by a group of Irish and Scottish officers acting under the orders of Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor. This assassination was part of a broader internal purge targeting Wallenstein and his supporters within the military, resulting in the deaths of several of his companions. Following the assassination, the perpetrators were labeled as executioners by royal decree and rewarded with confiscated properties from the victims' families. The investigation into the purge revealed a systematic effort to eliminate high-ranking officials aligned with Wallenstein, marking a significant shift in military and political power within the empire. The case remains historically significant as it illustrates the intense political machinations during the Thirty Years' War.
The assassination of Albrecht von Wallenstein is believed to have been a strategic move by Ferdinand II to eliminate a powerful rival and consolidate control over the military. Some speculate that Wallenstein's growing influence and potential ambitions for power prompted fears among other high-ranking officials, leading to his execution. Additionally, the involvement of Irish and Scottish officers in the assassination has led to theories about foreign interests in the internal dynamics of the Holy Roman Empire.
The Assassination of Wallenstein: A Tale of Intrigue and Betrayal
On a cold winter night in 1634, the echoes of betrayal reverberated through the town of Eger, nestled in the Holy Roman Empire. Albrecht von Wallenstein, once a formidable generalissimo, met his untimely demise at the hands of trusted officers in a plot sanctioned by none other than Ferdinand II, the Holy Roman Emperor himself. This brutal assassination marked the culmination of a power struggle that had been simmering beneath the surface of the empire's military ranks.
A Rise from Nobility
Albrecht von Wallenstein was born on September 24, 1584, into the noble Waldstein family of Bohemia. His early years were marked by both privilege and turbulence. In 1599, at the tender age of 15, he enrolled at the University of Altdorf. His academic pursuits, however, were short-lived, as his penchant for brawls led to his expulsion. Undeterred, Wallenstein spent the following years traveling across Europe, until he found his calling in the military of the Holy Roman Empire in 1604.
Wallenstein's military career began as an ensign during the waning days of the Long Turkish War. His ascent through the ranks was swift; by the Bocskai uprising, he commanded a unit of Bohemian Estates militia. In 1607, he was appointed chamberlain to Ferdinand of Styria, who would later ascend as Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor. Wallenstein's fortunes took a significant turn in 1609 when he married Lucretia Vičkov, a wealthy widow. Her death in 1614 left him with a considerable estate, further cementing his status among the elite.
In a strategic move, Wallenstein converted from Protestantism to Catholicism during the fervent Recatholicization campaign in Bohemia. His loyalty to the crown was unwavering, demonstrated by his support during the 1618 Bohemian Revolt, where he fought valiantly at the decisive Battle of White Mountain.
The Apex of Power
Wallenstein's political acumen and military prowess were undeniable. In 1623, he married Elizabeth von Harrach, the daughter of Karl von Harrach, an influential member of the emperor's Privy Council. This alliance with the Harrach family, coupled with his formidable wealth, allowed Wallenstein to amass an army and exert considerable influence over the imperial treasury.
During the Thirty Years' War, Wallenstein's military campaigns were nothing short of legendary. He thwarted the ambitions of Gabriel Bethlen, a pretender to the Hungarian throne, and secured victories against the Mansfeldian forces in the Palatinate campaign of 1623. His triumphs against the Danes between 1626 and 1628 effectively ended their intervention in the war.
In February 1628, Wallenstein's status reached new heights. He forgave a staggering 4,750,000 florins of debt owed by the imperial treasury in exchange for being named an imperial prince and granted the Duchy of Mecklenburg. His army, now three times the size of the Catholic League's forces, posed a formidable force within the empire.
The Fall from Grace
The year 1630 marked the beginning of Wallenstein's downfall. At the Regensburg Electoral Congress, the Catholic League seized the opportunity to demand his dismissal. Wallenstein's aloofness from court life made him an easy target for rumors, including whispers of his supposed ambition to claim the imperial throne. The influential Habsburg Spanish faction, angered by his inaction during the Eighty Years' War, joined the clamor for his removal. On August 13, 1630, Ferdinand succumbed to the pressure and dismissed Wallenstein.
However, the tide of war soon turned against the empire with the Swedish intervention in the Thirty Years' War. Many believed that only Wallenstein could restore balance among the warring factions. On April 13, 1632, he was reinstated as generalissimo. Yet, Wallenstein found himself increasingly isolated, with many senior officers avoiding him due to his volatile temper. Discontent brewed within the ranks, as officers communicated in code to criticize his lack of military aggression and opportunities for promotion.
The Plot Unfolds
By January 1634, the atmosphere was rife with tension. On January 11, Gundakar, Prince of Liechtenstein, formally requested Wallenstein's elimination. In response, Wallenstein gathered his colonels to sign the First Pilsner Reverse, a declaration of personal loyalty. Despite the signatures, a faction led by Ottavio Piccolomini circulated an anonymous tract outlining grievances against Wallenstein.
On February 17, Johann Ernst Freiherr von Scherffenberg, a supporter of Wallenstein, was arrested in Vienna. The following day, a secret imperial decree accused Wallenstein of conspiracy and condemned him to death. As Wallenstein realized the emperor's intentions to surround him, he prepared to flee to the Swedes.
On February 22, Wallenstein and his loyal officers, including Christian von Ilow, departed their headquarters with 1,300 men. Unbeknownst to Wallenstein, Colonel Walter Butler, an Irish officer hired by Piccolomini, was ordered to follow with 900 dragoons. By February 24, Wallenstein reached Eger. His troops camped outside the town, already occupied by Butler's dragoons and anti-Wallenstein forces.
The Night of Betrayal
On February 25, Wallenstein's trusted officers, including Ilow, Trčka von Lípa, Vilém Kinský, and Captain Niemann, were invited to a formal dinner at the city's castle. As the evening unfolded, a servant signaled that the moment had arrived. Six dragoons stormed the dining hall, shouting, "Who is a good Imperialist?" Butler, John Gordon, and Walter Leslie sprang to their feet, declaring, "Long live Ferdinand!"
In the chaos, Kinský was killed while trying to defend himself. Ilow, seizing his sword, charged at Gordon but was swiftly overpowered and slain by the dragoons. Others met similar fates. At 10:00 p.m., Wallenstein was assassinated in his residence. The emperor's decree equated the assassins with official executioners, sanctioning their actions.
The Aftermath
Unaware of the events in Eger, the commander of the Troppau garrison declared his allegiance to Wallenstein on March 1. An investigation revealed that Scherffenberg was not involved in the conspiracy. However, in April, he was summoned to Vienna, where he faced relentless interrogation.
On March 31, 1635, Scherffenberg was convicted of conspiracy and sentenced to death, despite pleading not guilty. He argued that Wallenstein had not been officially relieved of his command, obliging him to follow orders. Judge Heinrich von Schlick ordered torture, but Scherffenberg maintained his innocence. Ultimately, Emperor Ferdinand confirmed the death sentence, executed on July 24, 1635.
The purge extended beyond Scherffenberg, targeting other signatories of the Pilsner Reverse. The Troppau garrison commander was executed, and seven generals, including Francis Albert of Saxe-Lauenburg, faced demotion and temporary imprisonment.
The assassination of Wallenstein marked a dark chapter in the annals of the Holy Roman Empire, a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the ruthless pursuit of power.
Sources
For more detailed information, please refer to the original Wikipedia article: Assassination of Wallenstein.
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Wallenstein Assassinated
Albrecht von Wallenstein is assassinated by Irish and Scottish officers in Eger.
Assassination Request
Gundakar, Prince of Liechtenstein, recommends Wallenstein's assassination to Ferdinand II.
Wallenstein Flees
Wallenstein and loyal officers leave their headquarters, unaware of the impending assassination.
Wallenstein Arrives in Eger
Wallenstein reaches Eger, where he is surrounded by hostile forces.
Inner Circle Killed
Wallenstein's inner circle is killed during a dinner ambush by conspirators.
Allegiance Declared
An officer declares allegiance to Wallenstein, unaware of his assassination.
Schaffgotsch Convicted
Hans Ulrich von Schaffgotsch is convicted of conspiracy and sentenced to death.
Schaffgotsch Executed
Hans Ulrich von Schaffgotsch is executed as part of the purge following Wallenstein's assassination.
On 25 February 1634, Albrecht von Wallenstein, a prominent generalissimo of the Holy Roman Empire, was assassinated in Eger (present-day Cheb, Czech Republic) by a group of Irish and Scottish officers acting under the orders of Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor. This assassination was part of a broader internal purge targeting Wallenstein and his supporters within the military, resulting in the deaths of several of his companions. Following the assassination, the perpetrators were labeled as executioners by royal decree and rewarded with confiscated properties from the victims' families. The investigation into the purge revealed a systematic effort to eliminate high-ranking officials aligned with Wallenstein, marking a significant shift in military and political power within the empire. The case remains historically significant as it illustrates the intense political machinations during the Thirty Years' War.
The assassination of Albrecht von Wallenstein is believed to have been a strategic move by Ferdinand II to eliminate a powerful rival and consolidate control over the military. Some speculate that Wallenstein's growing influence and potential ambitions for power prompted fears among other high-ranking officials, leading to his execution. Additionally, the involvement of Irish and Scottish officers in the assassination has led to theories about foreign interests in the internal dynamics of the Holy Roman Empire.
The Assassination of Wallenstein: A Tale of Intrigue and Betrayal
On a cold winter night in 1634, the echoes of betrayal reverberated through the town of Eger, nestled in the Holy Roman Empire. Albrecht von Wallenstein, once a formidable generalissimo, met his untimely demise at the hands of trusted officers in a plot sanctioned by none other than Ferdinand II, the Holy Roman Emperor himself. This brutal assassination marked the culmination of a power struggle that had been simmering beneath the surface of the empire's military ranks.
A Rise from Nobility
Albrecht von Wallenstein was born on September 24, 1584, into the noble Waldstein family of Bohemia. His early years were marked by both privilege and turbulence. In 1599, at the tender age of 15, he enrolled at the University of Altdorf. His academic pursuits, however, were short-lived, as his penchant for brawls led to his expulsion. Undeterred, Wallenstein spent the following years traveling across Europe, until he found his calling in the military of the Holy Roman Empire in 1604.
Wallenstein's military career began as an ensign during the waning days of the Long Turkish War. His ascent through the ranks was swift; by the Bocskai uprising, he commanded a unit of Bohemian Estates militia. In 1607, he was appointed chamberlain to Ferdinand of Styria, who would later ascend as Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor. Wallenstein's fortunes took a significant turn in 1609 when he married Lucretia Vičkov, a wealthy widow. Her death in 1614 left him with a considerable estate, further cementing his status among the elite.
In a strategic move, Wallenstein converted from Protestantism to Catholicism during the fervent Recatholicization campaign in Bohemia. His loyalty to the crown was unwavering, demonstrated by his support during the 1618 Bohemian Revolt, where he fought valiantly at the decisive Battle of White Mountain.
The Apex of Power
Wallenstein's political acumen and military prowess were undeniable. In 1623, he married Elizabeth von Harrach, the daughter of Karl von Harrach, an influential member of the emperor's Privy Council. This alliance with the Harrach family, coupled with his formidable wealth, allowed Wallenstein to amass an army and exert considerable influence over the imperial treasury.
During the Thirty Years' War, Wallenstein's military campaigns were nothing short of legendary. He thwarted the ambitions of Gabriel Bethlen, a pretender to the Hungarian throne, and secured victories against the Mansfeldian forces in the Palatinate campaign of 1623. His triumphs against the Danes between 1626 and 1628 effectively ended their intervention in the war.
In February 1628, Wallenstein's status reached new heights. He forgave a staggering 4,750,000 florins of debt owed by the imperial treasury in exchange for being named an imperial prince and granted the Duchy of Mecklenburg. His army, now three times the size of the Catholic League's forces, posed a formidable force within the empire.
The Fall from Grace
The year 1630 marked the beginning of Wallenstein's downfall. At the Regensburg Electoral Congress, the Catholic League seized the opportunity to demand his dismissal. Wallenstein's aloofness from court life made him an easy target for rumors, including whispers of his supposed ambition to claim the imperial throne. The influential Habsburg Spanish faction, angered by his inaction during the Eighty Years' War, joined the clamor for his removal. On August 13, 1630, Ferdinand succumbed to the pressure and dismissed Wallenstein.
However, the tide of war soon turned against the empire with the Swedish intervention in the Thirty Years' War. Many believed that only Wallenstein could restore balance among the warring factions. On April 13, 1632, he was reinstated as generalissimo. Yet, Wallenstein found himself increasingly isolated, with many senior officers avoiding him due to his volatile temper. Discontent brewed within the ranks, as officers communicated in code to criticize his lack of military aggression and opportunities for promotion.
The Plot Unfolds
By January 1634, the atmosphere was rife with tension. On January 11, Gundakar, Prince of Liechtenstein, formally requested Wallenstein's elimination. In response, Wallenstein gathered his colonels to sign the First Pilsner Reverse, a declaration of personal loyalty. Despite the signatures, a faction led by Ottavio Piccolomini circulated an anonymous tract outlining grievances against Wallenstein.
On February 17, Johann Ernst Freiherr von Scherffenberg, a supporter of Wallenstein, was arrested in Vienna. The following day, a secret imperial decree accused Wallenstein of conspiracy and condemned him to death. As Wallenstein realized the emperor's intentions to surround him, he prepared to flee to the Swedes.
On February 22, Wallenstein and his loyal officers, including Christian von Ilow, departed their headquarters with 1,300 men. Unbeknownst to Wallenstein, Colonel Walter Butler, an Irish officer hired by Piccolomini, was ordered to follow with 900 dragoons. By February 24, Wallenstein reached Eger. His troops camped outside the town, already occupied by Butler's dragoons and anti-Wallenstein forces.
The Night of Betrayal
On February 25, Wallenstein's trusted officers, including Ilow, Trčka von Lípa, Vilém Kinský, and Captain Niemann, were invited to a formal dinner at the city's castle. As the evening unfolded, a servant signaled that the moment had arrived. Six dragoons stormed the dining hall, shouting, "Who is a good Imperialist?" Butler, John Gordon, and Walter Leslie sprang to their feet, declaring, "Long live Ferdinand!"
In the chaos, Kinský was killed while trying to defend himself. Ilow, seizing his sword, charged at Gordon but was swiftly overpowered and slain by the dragoons. Others met similar fates. At 10:00 p.m., Wallenstein was assassinated in his residence. The emperor's decree equated the assassins with official executioners, sanctioning their actions.
The Aftermath
Unaware of the events in Eger, the commander of the Troppau garrison declared his allegiance to Wallenstein on March 1. An investigation revealed that Scherffenberg was not involved in the conspiracy. However, in April, he was summoned to Vienna, where he faced relentless interrogation.
On March 31, 1635, Scherffenberg was convicted of conspiracy and sentenced to death, despite pleading not guilty. He argued that Wallenstein had not been officially relieved of his command, obliging him to follow orders. Judge Heinrich von Schlick ordered torture, but Scherffenberg maintained his innocence. Ultimately, Emperor Ferdinand confirmed the death sentence, executed on July 24, 1635.
The purge extended beyond Scherffenberg, targeting other signatories of the Pilsner Reverse. The Troppau garrison commander was executed, and seven generals, including Francis Albert of Saxe-Lauenburg, faced demotion and temporary imprisonment.
The assassination of Wallenstein marked a dark chapter in the annals of the Holy Roman Empire, a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the ruthless pursuit of power.
Sources
For more detailed information, please refer to the original Wikipedia article: Assassination of Wallenstein.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Wallenstein Assassinated
Albrecht von Wallenstein is assassinated by Irish and Scottish officers in Eger.
Assassination Request
Gundakar, Prince of Liechtenstein, recommends Wallenstein's assassination to Ferdinand II.
Wallenstein Flees
Wallenstein and loyal officers leave their headquarters, unaware of the impending assassination.
Wallenstein Arrives in Eger
Wallenstein reaches Eger, where he is surrounded by hostile forces.
Inner Circle Killed
Wallenstein's inner circle is killed during a dinner ambush by conspirators.
Allegiance Declared
An officer declares allegiance to Wallenstein, unaware of his assassination.
Schaffgotsch Convicted
Hans Ulrich von Schaffgotsch is convicted of conspiracy and sentenced to death.
Schaffgotsch Executed
Hans Ulrich von Schaffgotsch is executed as part of the purge following Wallenstein's assassination.