The Swedish Phase
... army swept the imperial forces out of the north and moved into the heart of Germany. In desperation, the imperial side recalled Wallenstien, who was given command of the imperial army that met Gustavus's troops near Leipzig. At the Battle of Lutzen (1632), the Swedish forces prevailed but paid a high price for the victory when the Swedish king was killed in battle. Although the Swedish forces remained in Germany, they proved much less effective. Despite the loss of Wallenstein, who was assassinated in 1634 by one of his own captains, the imperial army decisively defeated the Swedes at the Battle of Nordlingen at the end of 1634 and drove them out of Southern Germany. This imperial victory guaranteed that southern Germany would remain Catholic. The emperor used this opportunity to make pea...