Why did Ferdinand II remove Albrecht von Wallenstein from command in January 1634?

Ferdinand II removed Albrecht von Wallenstein from command in January 1634 because he viewed the generalissimo as a rebel and a traitor.1

Wallenstein’s actions leading to this decision included:

• Insubordination: He quartered his army in Habsburg territories and refused to move or provide support when the Swedes captured key fortresses, such as Regensburg.1
• Independent Negotiations: He conducted unauthorized and often contradictory peace negotiations with Saxony, Brandenburg, Sweden, and France, which caused him to lose credibility with all parties.1
• Conspiracy: In January 1634, Wallenstein convened approximately 50 generals and colonels at Pilsen to secure their support for a revolt. Although the officers initially pledged to stand by him only as long as he remained in the emperor's service, Wallenstein had them sign a written declaration that omitted this stipulation.1

Upon receiving reports of this conspiracy from officers like Ottavio Piccolomini, Ferdinand II signed a letter patent on January 24, 1634, deposing Wallenstein, appointing a successor, and ordering the capture or liquidation of the generalissimo and his chief conspirators.1