Europe's "Game of Thrones"

Fought between Royalist, Huguenot and Catholic Factions. Ends when Henry III's heir agrees to convert to Catholicism and is thus accepted as King of France.

Series of conflicts between Sigismund and his uncle Charles for the throne of Sweden. Concludes with Sigismund's deposition.

Period of Russian history characterized by political instability and conflict. A man surfaces in Poland dubiously claiming to be Feodor’s (not so) dead brother, and thus his rightful heir. Poland strategically supports this and various other claims. Closes with the founding of a new dynasty.

Sigismund of Poland refuses to give up his claim to the Swedish throne. This and territorial disputes fuel war between him and his uncle.

King Sigismund of Poland declares war on Russia and claims the throne for himself.

Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor, tries to impose Catholicism on his subjects, who rebel. This sets off a chain reaction of religious and political conflict across Europe.

France and Hapsburg Royal Family proxy war to exert control over northern Italy by supporting different claimants to rule Mantua.

Portuguese revolt against the dual monarchy of the Iberian Union, begun sixty years earlier with the personal union of the nations by Philip II. Results in the establishment of a new Portuguese dynasty replacing the Spanish monarchs.

James Scott, Duke of Monmouth and the illegitimate, but Protestant, older brother of King James II sees himself as rightful heir to the English throne. Monmouth is captured and executed for treason.

James II is overthrown to prevent a Catholic dynasty becoming established in mostly Protestant England.

Fought between Jacobites, who support James II of England, and Williamites, supporting the Protestant William of Orange instead.

Major powers of Europe align to prevent a French-Spanish union initiated by the claim to the Spanish throne of a French royal. Peace is achieved on the condition that France and Spain remain separate forever.

Series of rebellions by Jacobites, who continue to support James II and his heirs as rightful claimants to the British throne, long after James's overthrow.

King Philip V of Spain claims the French throne, defying conditions imposed on him after the War of the Spanish Succession.

Europe’s major powers interfere in Poland’s Civil War over succession to the throne.

War fought by European powers to determine the control of Hapsburg territory, ostensibly to replace Maria Theresa’s "illegal" claim to the throne.

Polish nobles unite to fight against Russian-backed Polish King Stanislaw.

A Saxon-Prussian alliance attempts to halt a Hapsburg acquisition of Bavaria through inheritance.

King Gustav III of Sweden starts a war with Russia in a political move designed to force his opponents to unite under his disputed rule.

Fought between France, Spain, the United Kingdom and Portugal over control of the Iberian Peninsula.

The Spanish faction fights for the return of traditional values, supporting the pretender Carlos V against Isabella II.

War to depose Isabella II.