Albrecht von Wallenstein (1583 – 1634), (Czech: Albrecht z Valdštejna), was a Bohemian military leader. His successful martial career made him one of the richest and most influential men in the Holy Roman Empire by the time of his death:
– Wallenstein was born in the Kingdom of Bohemia into a poor family
– A series of military victories against the Protestants raised Wallenstein’s reputation in the imperial court
– Wallenstein financed and raised a whole army for the imperial service
– He used his credit to grant loans to Emperor Ferdinand II, which were repaid through lands and titles
– Wallenstein found himself released from service in 1630 after Emperor Ferdinand grew wary of his ambition.
– Several Protestant victories over Catholic armies induced Emperor Ferdinand to recall Wallenstein, who then defeated the Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus
– Emperor Ferdinand ordered his assassination
– Wallenstein was assassinated at Eger in Bohemia by one of the army’s officials, with the emperor’s approval
by romanesko
2 comments
Really?
Sure, both were mercenary entrepreneurs, but Wallenstein was actually competent as commander, holding his own and sometimes winning against the likes of Gustav Adolph II of Sweden.
Also, he didn‘t really ever openly march against the Emperor, so that‘s different.
I don’t think the ol‘ hotdog chef holds a candle to Wallenstein.
No analogies are obviously perfect, and he did conspire against Ferdinand. But the main parallel is the fact that he was killed as soon as he became dangerous to the Emperor