Book I.
Introduction. — General effects of the Reformation. — Revolt of Matthias. — The Emperor cedes Austria and Hungary to him. — Matthias acknowledged King of Bohemia. — The Elector of Cologne abjures the Catholic Religion. — Consequences. — The Elector Palatine. — Dispute respecting the Succession of Juliers. — Designs of Henry IV. of France. — Formation of the Union. — The League. — Death of the Emperor Rodolph. — Matthias succeeds him. — Troubles in Bohemia. — Civil War. — Ferdinand extirpates the Protestant Religion from Styria. — The Elector Palatine, Frederick V., is chosen King by the Bohemians. — He accepts the Crown of Bohemia. — Bethlen Gabor, Prince of Transylvania, invades Austria. — The Duke of Bavaria and the Princes of the League embrace the cause of Ferdinand. — The Union arm for Frederick. — The Battle of Prague and total subjection of Bohemia.