The last great victory of Gustavus was at Luetzen in 1632, at which battle the great leader met his death.

Wallenstein, who was now in favour of a policy of peace and political reconstruction, was assassinated in 1634 with the connivance of the Emperor.

On September 6th of the same year the Protestant army, under Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar, sustained an overwhelming defeat at Noerdlingen, and the Peace of Prague the following year ended the campaign.
The fifth period, from 1636 to 1648, has, as its central interest, the active intervention of France in the Central European struggle.

The Swedes, notwithstanding the death of their King, continued to have some notable successes, and even approached to within striking distance of Vienna.

But Richelieu now became the chief arbiter of events.