Defenestration of Prague

Definition

The Defenestration of Prague was an event in 1618 when two Catholic officials were thrown out a window by Protestant nobles, sparking the Thirty Years' War.

Analogy

Imagine if a food fight in your school cafeteria escalated into a full-blown riot that lasted for months. That's similar to how the Defenestration of Prague sparked off the devastating Thirty Years' War.

Related terms

Thirty Years' War: A major war in Europe from 1618 to 1648 that started as a religious conflict between Protestants and Catholics within Holy Roman Empire but eventually involved most of European powers.

Peace of Westphalia: The series of treaties signed in 1648 which ended the Thirty Years’ War; it significantly altered balance of power in Europe.

Bohemian Revolt: This was an uprising of Bohemian estates against Hapsburg rule which led to outbreak of Thirty Years’ War; it began shortly after Defenestration of Prague.