By creating a conflict between Protestants and Catholics , the Habsburgs hoped to weaken the estates .
In addition to strengthening the central government and administration , they promoted the Roman Catholic Church as a uniting force and to weaken the influence of Protestant nobility .
By creating a conflict between Protestant and Roman Catholic Church , the Habsburgs hoped to weaken the estates .
In addition to strengthening the central government and administration , they promoted the Roman Catholic Church as a uniting force and to weaken the influence of Protestant nobility .