Thirty-years-war 〈Confirmed · 2026〉

It established the "Westphalian System," the idea that a nation has exclusive rights over its own territory and domestic affairs (including religion).

Some regions of Germany lost over 50% of their population . thirty-years-war

Sweden, Denmark, and—most notably— France joined to weaken the Habsburgs. Interestingly, Catholic France fought on the Protestant side, proving that national interest (limiting German power) had become more important than religious solidarity. 3. The Human Cost It established the "Westphalian System," the idea that

France emerged as the dominant power on the continent, while the Holy Roman Empire began a long, slow decline into a loose collection of independent states. It established the "Westphalian System