Rekatolizace

Rekatolizace is a historical phenomenon that occurred in several Central European countries following the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. The term refers to the process of reintroducing Roman Catholicism in areas where Protestantism had gained a significant following.

In the early 17th century, the Habsburg Empire, which encompassed present-day Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and parts of Germany, launched a concerted effort to reassert Catholic dominance in these regions. This movement was driven by political and ideological motivations, with the Catholic Church seeking to regain its influence and authority areas where Protestantism had taken hold.

One of the most notable examples of rekatolizace can be seen in the Czech lands, where Protestantism had thrived under the rule of the Habsburgs' Protestant predecessors, the Jagiellonian dynasty. Under the name "White Mountain", the Catholic counter-reformation was launched after the victory of Catholic forces over the Protestant nobles in 1620. The subsequent decades saw the systematic suppression of Protestantism, with many Protestant nobles and intellectuals being forced to convert or flee the country.

In other areas, such as Hungary and parts of Germany, rekatolizace also occurred, albeit in a less dramatic and widespread form. Throughout these regions, the Catholic Church used a combination of coercion, persuasion, and attrition to slowly erode Protestant influence and restore its dominance. The legacy of rekatolizace can still be seen in the modern-day cultural and religious landscape of these countries, where Catholicism remains a significant presence.