Major Conflicts
Some Major Conflicts of the Early Modern Period
French Wars of Religion - 1562-1598
These conflicts were civil infighting between French Catholics and Protestants (Huguenots) over religious practices within France. The wars were a series of bitter clashes that lasted over three and a half decades. Most historians agree that the Massacre of Vassy started the wars, and they ended with the Edict of Nantes. The three belligerents were England and Huguenots, the Catholic League and Spain, and the Politiques (French).
80 Years War - 1568-1648
This long conflict, also known as the Dutch Revolt or Dutch War of Independence, started in 1568 and ended in 1648. It involved the Seventeen Provinces of the Netherlands against Spain, led by Philip II. William of Orange, leading the Dutch, helped secure the heartland of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. This war ended with the Peace of Münster.
30 Years War - 1618-1648
This particular war was the epitome of a religious conflict turned large scale war. It first began as religious conflicts between Protestants and Catholics inside of the Holy Roman Empire, though as time went on, more and more entities were involved, including the much larger nations, e.g. France, Sweden, and England. This war is the longest in modern history and one of the most destructive. Many of the political powers involved ended up bankrupt, and populations were decimated due to combat areas and famine. The war ended in 1648 with the Peace of Westphalia.
7 Years War - 1754-1763 (It began in North America in 1754, but most theaters began in '56)
This war began with high tensions between many powers in Europe, mostly involved with trade routes and colonial interests. The two main combatants were Great Britain and France, while the Hohenzollerns and Hapsburgs were also large participants. Many areas were involved, including all of Europe, parts of Africa, India, and even the North American colonies. Since the war was so large, it is known by several names in the areas in which it was fought: commonly “Seven Years’ War” in Western Europe, “Pomeranian War” in Sweden and Prussia, and the “French and Indian War” in North America. There were four treaties as a result, the Treaties of Saint Petersburg, Paris, Hubertusburg, and Hamburg.