Won By The Sword

In 1636, France entered the side of Sweden in the 30 Years' War.

The French were greatly encouraged by the many victories of the Swedes over the imperialists. Cardinal Richelieu concluded an alliance with Sweden to help the Protestant states of Germany.

One of the most decisive French victories was the Battle of Battle in 1643, in which French forces soundly defeated the imperialists.

Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642).
Prime Minister from 1624 to 1642.

The French were greatly encouraged by the many victories of the Swedes over the imperialists.

Cardinal Richelieu concluded an alliance with Sweden to help the Protestant states of Germany.

The French won many victories, and finally the war was ended with the Peace of Westphalia in 1648.

Battle of Rocroi in 1643 in which French forces soundly defeated the imperialists.

The Spanish infantry soldiers were brave, fanatical papists, and feared throughout the entire world. The English did not dare let them get close enough to board their ships. With only 400 men, Cortez conquered the entire Aztec empire in Mexico:

"It was at the battle of Rocroi in 1643 that the Spanish were beaten and the young Duke of Enghien bravely distinguished himself. The story of this glorious day and the history of this fortified star-shaped town are told in the museum. The star shape dates from 1555 and was adapted by Vauban in 1675 (abcoffrance.com)".

The bloodbath at Rocroi left no remnant to build from. The TERCIOS were gone. There was no one left even to train replacements. They did not lose their reputation, they remained formidable troops to the end, but they died to keep it. The fact is old powerful Spain had died with them. The mantle of supremacy passed to the French. The French, when their 5-year old monarch achieved his majority, would begin their own "splendid century" under the leadership of the "Sun King", Louis XIV.

In this historical novel by G. A. Henty, our hero colonel Campbell, rescues a beautiful Irish maiden from a mob of imperialists. They fall in love, marry and eventually settle in England. That is a great example of the UNITED KINGDOM!!