Overview
The 30 Years War was a major European conflict that took place between 1618 and 1648. It was primarily fought in the territory of modern-day Germany and involved various European powers. The war was triggered by religious and political tensions, pitting Catholic forces against Protestant ones.
The conflict can be divided into four main phases: the Bohemian phase (1618-1625), the Danish phase (1625-1629), the Swedish phase (1630-1635), and the French phase (1635-1648). The war witnessed widespread devastation, famine, and disease, leading to a significant loss of life and social disruption.
The Peace of Westphalia, signed in 1648, brought an end to the war. It established the principle of cuius regio, eius religio, granting rulers the authority to determine the religion of their territories. The peace treaties also recognized the independence of several states and marked a turning point in European power dynamics.
Explore the individual years of the 30 Years War using the navigation menu above to learn more about the specific events and developments that occurred during each year.