Battles & Campaigns · 1623
Battle of Stadtlohn
Stadtlohn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
What happened
Christian's army of about 15,000 retreated as Tilly's forces moved toward it, fighting delaying actions at river crossings. On 6 August Christian was forced to fight near Stadtlohn. Tilly's cavalry struck his right flank, his army broke, and Christian escaped with about 5,500 men.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It largely ended the Palatinate side's military resistance and closed the first phase of the Thirty Years' War. Frederick V then signed an armistice with Emperor Ferdinand II.
What came next
Frederick V's lands and electoral title went to Maximilian of Bavaria. In 1624 England, France and Sweden formed an alliance against the Habsburgs.
Did you know?
The Catholic army saw the date, the Feast of the Transfiguration, as a lucky sign.
Timeline
- 6 May 1622Battle of Wimpfen.
- 6 August 1623Battle of Stadtlohn.
- 27 August 1623Frederick V's armistice ends the Palatinate phase.
- 1624 CEAn anti-Habsburg alliance forms.