Eberhard III, Duke of Württemberg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eberhard III |
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Eberhard III, c. 1670
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| Duke of Württemberg | |
| Reign | 18 July 1628 – 2 July 1674 |
| Predecessor | John Frederick |
| Successor | William Louis |
| Born | 16 December 1614 Stuttgart, Duchy of Württemberg, Holy Roman Empire |
| Died | 2 July 1674 (aged 59) Stuttgart |
| Spouse |
Anna Katharina of Salm-Kyrburg
(m. 1637; died 1655)Countess Marie Dorothea Sofie of Oettingen
(m. 1656) |
| Issue among others… |
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| House | Württemberg |
| Father | John Frederick, Duke of Württemberg |
| Mother | Barbara Sophie of Brandenburg |
| Religion | Lutheranism |
Eberhard III (born December 16, 1614, in Stuttgart; died July 2, 1674, in Stuttgart) was a powerful ruler. He served as the Duke of Württemberg from 1628 until his death in 1674. His time as duke was during a very difficult period in history.
Contents
Becoming Duke During Wartime
Eberhard III became the Duke of Württemberg when he was just 14 years old. This happened in 1628 after his father, Johann Frederick, passed away. At this time, a huge conflict called the Thirty Years' War was happening. Because Eberhard was so young, he needed guardians to help him rule.
Who Were His Guardians?
First, his uncle, Louis Frederick, Duke of Württemberg-Montbéliard, looked after things. When Louis Frederick died in 1631, another uncle, Julius Frederick, Duke of Württemberg-Weiltingen, took over.
Challenges for Württemberg
The war brought many problems to Württemberg. In 1629, the region lost about one-third of its land. In 1633, Eberhard was declared old enough to rule on his own. He took full control of the Duchy.
The Battle of Nördlingen
A major event happened in 1634. Württemberg's army suffered a big loss in the Battle of Nördlingen. After this defeat, the region was badly damaged and robbed.
Returning Home After the War
Eberhard had to leave Württemberg for a while. He went to Strasbourg for safety. While there, he got married in 1637. After long talks with Ferdinand III, the Holy Roman Emperor, Eberhard returned to Württemberg in 1638.
Rebuilding Württemberg
By the time he came back, the Emperor had given away many parts of Württemberg. This was done to encourage the Catholic religion in the area. The Duchy of Württemberg was finally put back together after many discussions. This happened with the Peace of Westphalia in 1648.
The Impact of War
The war had a terrible effect on the people. There was poverty, hunger, and a serious disease outbreak. The population of Württemberg dropped a lot. It went from 350,000 people in 1618 to only 120,000 in 1648.
Agreements with His Brothers
Eberhard made special agreements with his younger brothers. He gave some land to his brother Frederick. This created a new part of the duchy called Württemberg-Neuenstadt. In 1651, he made a similar deal with his brother Ulrich. This agreement involved the Neuenbürg Castle.
Family and Children
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Eberhard III was the second son of John Frederick and Barbara Sophie of Brandenburg. He was married two times.
First Marriage
His first marriage was on February 26, 1637. He married Anna Katharina Dorothea of Salm-Kyrburg. They had many children together. In just 17 years, they had 14 children! Nine of these children lived to be adults. Some of their notable children included:
- Sophie Louise of Württemberg-Stuttgart
- Christine Charlotte of Württemberg-Stuttgart
- Duke William Louis of Württemberg, who later became Duke himself.
- Duke Frederick Charles of Württemberg-Winnental
Second Marriage
Eberhard's first wife passed away in 1655. He married again on July 20, 1656. His second wife was Countess Marie Dorothea Sofie of Oettingen-Oettingen. They had 11 children together. Four of these children lived to adulthood. One of their children was:
- Sophie Charlotte of Württemberg-Stuttgart
Eberhard III died in 1674, after a long and challenging reign.
