Ferdinand II of Austria

Ferdinand II of Austria (1529–1595) was Holy Roman Emperor and ruler of the Habsburg lands during a time of religious conflict in Europe. He was a devout Catholic who sought to strengthen Catholicism in his realms, often opposing Protestant movements. His reign saw significant efforts to suppress Protestantism, including the revocation of religious freedoms in some areas, which contributed to the unrest leading to the Thirty Years' War. Ferdinand also worked to centralize authority and Spain's influence in Europe. His policies and conflicts had lasting effects on the religious and political landscape of Central Europe.