Who was the leader of the Catholic League during the war?
Answer
Maximilian I of Bavaria
Maximilian I of Bavaria was the leader of the Catholic League during the Thirty Years' War. As Duke and later Elector of Bavaria, he was the League's political leader and one of the most important Catholic princes in the Holy Roman Empire.
The Catholic League was formed in 1609 as a defensive alliance of Catholic states and territories within the Empire. When the Bohemian Revolt helped ignite the war in 1618, Maximilian supplied troops and supported Emperor Ferdinand II against the Protestant forces. His alliance with the emperor became especially important during the campaign against Frederick V of the Palatinate.
The chief battlefield commander of the League was Johann Tserclaes, Count of Tilly, which is why he is sometimes mistaken for its leader. Tilly commanded armies, while Maximilian directed the League politically and negotiated its interests. Maximilian also received Frederick's electoral title after the Catholic victory at the Battle of White Mountain in 1620.