Albrecht von Wallenstein's ambitions and the exactions…

Albrecht von Wallenstein's ambitions and the exactions of his army over the course of the Thirty Years War have made him a host of enemies, both Catholic and Protestant princes and non-princes.

Emperor Ferdinand II suspects Wallenstein of planning a coup to take control of the Holy Roman Empire.

The response of the princes is to rally behind Maximillian of Bavaria to pressure Ferdinand into dismissing Wallenstein.

Their chance comes in 1630 when Ferdinand calls a meeting of the Electors in Regensburg because he wants his son, Ferdinand III, elected King of the Romans.

According to the law, the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire is selected by a vote from the Electorate of German princes.

Therefore, Ferdinand needs their cooperation to approve his son as successor.

Ferdinand also hopes to persuade the Electors to approve greater Imperial involvement in the European wars.

John George I of Saxony and George William of Brandenburg (both Protestant) stay away to protest the Edict of Restitution.

Those Electors present realize that they have little to gain from additional involvement in the wars.

However, Maximillian still asks Ferdinand for the dismissal of Wallenstein.