may 23, 1618 - The Thirty Years' War commences.
Description:
Continuing religious struggles and rising nationalist movements throughout the empire lead to the Thirty Years' War (1618 - 1648). The war devastates Germany's population and reduces its borders, and feudal princes seize much of the emperor's power. These princes begin to build their feudal states to prominence, most notably Austria and Prussia.Added to timeline:
Date:
may 23, 1618
Now
~ 407 years ago