(1648) A balance of power arrives to calm a war-torn EuropeStretching for three brutal decades and encompassing almost the entirety of Europe, what began as a struggle between Catholics and Protestants metastasized into an all-out territorial power grab, and now the conflict finally finds resolution as the Peace of Westphalia treaties are signed.The Thirty Years’ War was one of the longest and most destructive conflicts, as well as the deadliest European religious war, in history. It took place in Central Europe between 1618 and 1648 and resulted in eight million casualties.
Start date: May 23, 1618 End date: May 15, 1648 Map of the Thirty Years’ War