At Chemnitz (April 1639), he defeated the imperial forces. Reinforced by French troops, he advanced toward southern Germany during the summer and autumn of 1640 but could not force the enemy to a battle. After a dangerous march through Bohemia in the winter, he died at Halberstadt of a pulmonary disease contracted during the winter campaign. Since the development of the office of prime minister, holders of the position have typically concentrated on the most high-profile or strategic aspects of government, particularly top-level foreign relations, major defense decisions, macroeconomic policy, and the government’s legislative timetable and priorities.
