Maximilian I of Bavaria vs Oscar II

Maximilian I became the leader of the Catholic League, a coalition of German Catholic states formed to oppose Protestant expansion. He organized military and financial resources to defend Catholic interests in the Holy Roman Empire.

Maximilian I enforced strict Catholic orthodoxy in Bavaria, expelling Protestants and promoting Jesuit education. He implemented reforms to strengthen the Catholic Church's role in state affairs, making Bavaria a bastion of the Counter-Reformation.

Maximilian I commanded the Catholic League forces at the Battle of White Mountain near Prague. His troops decisively defeated the Protestant Bohemian army, ending the Bohemian Revolt and securing Habsburg control over Bohemia.

Following the defeat of Frederick V of the Palatinate, Maximilian I was granted the Upper Palatinate and the electoral dignity of the Palatinate by Emperor Ferdinand II. This significantly expanded Bavarian territory and influence.

Maximilian I participated in the Peace of Westphalia negotiations that ended the Thirty Years' War. Bavaria retained the Upper Palatinate and its electoral status, but the Lower Palatinate was restored to Charles I Louis, Frederick V's son.

Oscar II was a noted patron of the arts and sciences. He supported the Swedish Academy, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and various cultural institutions. He also personally funded expeditions, such as the Vega Expedition, which completed the first navigation of the Northeast Passage.

Oscar II oversaw a major reform of the Swedish military, introducing universal conscription and modernizing the army and navy. This was in response to the changing geopolitical situation in Europe and aimed at maintaining Sweden's neutrality and defense capabilities.

Oscar II was the last king of the united kingdoms of Sweden and Norway. After a political crisis, the Norwegian parliament unilaterally declared the dissolution of the union. Oscar II accepted the separation peacefully, abdicating his claim to the Norwegian throne and recognizing Norway's independence.