1618-1648: Thirty Years War (may 23, 1618 – may 15, 1648)
Description:
In 1618, the king of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperor Ferdinand II, attempted to force Catholicism in his domains, and Protestants rebelled. This religious conflict developed into a long struggle for the balance of power in Europe. The war left a devastating impact on most of its participants' economies, and high taxes burdened peasants. The war also destroyed large portions of the German and Italian populations with famine and helped spread diseases. These numerous calamities were blamed on supernatural forces, resulting in a major outbreak of witch hunts. This war was one of the longest and most destructive religious wars in European history.Added to timeline:
Date:
may 23, 1618
may 15, 1648
~ 30 years