Why did the Thirty Years’ War begin?
The Thirty Years’ War began in central Europe in 1618 and drew in many states until 1648.
Historical context and developments
Religious and political tensions within the Holy Roman Empire were central at first. Danish, Swedish and French intervention widened the war’s aims. Sieges, troop provisioning, disease and displacement severely affected civilians.
Consequences and interpreting sources
The 1648 Peace of Westphalia introduced varied political arrangements; calling it the one-day invention of modern sovereignty is misleading. Losses and recovery differed by region.
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