The shocking story of Prague

Have you ever wondered how throwing someone out of a window became a symbol of rebellion? In Prague, the art of defenestration has shaped history in unexpected ways. The most famous instances occurred in 1419 and 1618, sparking pivotal conflicts. The first defenestration stemmed from tensions between the Hussites, a Protestant group, and Catholic authorities. On July 30, 1419, a group of Hussite radicals stormed the New Town Hall and threw several councilors out of a window, inciting a nationwide uprising. This act ignited the Hussite Wars, which would last for over a decade, radically altering the religious landscape of Bohemia. Fast forward to 1618, the second defenestration saw Protestant nobles confronting the Habsburg rulers over religious freedoms. In a dramatic turn of events, they tossed two officials out of a window, leading to the Thirty Years' War, one of Europe's most devastating conflicts. These incidents not only highlight the unusual method of protest but also underscore the profound impact of defenestration on European history, illustrating how even the simplest actions can reshape nations and ignite revolutions.