The Thirty Years’ War 1618-1648

The so-called ‘defenestration of Prague’ in May 1618 is regarded as the beginning of the armed conflicts which took place in many parts of Europe and are known as the Thirty Years’ War. The causes were conflicts between religions as well as between states and social classes. There was enormous suffering among ordinary people, who were trapped between the lines of the various armies involved. After many years of negotiations the war was ended by the Peace of Westphalia in 1648.