Ferdinand II was one of the most successful monarchs in establishing absolutist rule in both political and religious spheres. During his life he held numerous titles and was a member of the House of Habsburg. He was a strict Roman Catholic and had no tolerance for Protestants. Shortly after being appointed ruler of Bohemia, he quickly pursued the Catholic reform with much success. He resolved many conflicts in Bohemia and throughout the Holy Roman Empire. Many historians believe that Ferdinand II was one of the most determined and devoted monarchs of the House of Habsburg. Ferdinand II descended from the Styrian line of the Habsburgs. He was born in Graz on 9 July 1578. He studied at the Jesuit College in Ingolstadt. The Jesuits educated him and influenced his decisions throughout his life and reign. In 1590 his father died. Ferdinand succeeded his father as king of the Inner Austrian dominions, which consisted of Styria, Corinthia, and Carniola. He became Archduke of Styria. Since Ferdinand inherited these lands when he was only twelve years old, the affair...