Question

What were three results of the Thirty Years' War?

a) Territorial changes, economic decline, and religious tolerance
b) Political stability, cultural flourishing, and military disarmament
c) Population loss, religious division, and shift in the balance of power
d) Technological advancement, diplomatic unity, and social reforms

Answer 1

Three results of the Thirty Years' War included territorial changes, economic decline, and a move towards religious tolerance, concluding with the Peace of Westphalia which also shifted the balance of power towards France.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the results of the Thirty Years' War, which lasted from 1618 to 1648, were significant territorial changes, a marked economic decline, and the establishment of a foundation for religious tolerance. The Peace of Westphalia, which concluded the war, redrew boundaries and recognized the sovereignty of the states within the former Holy Roman Empire. The war resulted in a large population loss, and the subsequent treaties laid the groundwork for a shift in the balance of power in Europe, with France emerging as a dominant force.

Due to the extensive conflict primarily on German soils, the region suffered economically, with many farms and villages destroyed, leading to a period of economic hardship. Furthermore, the religious division that had fueled the war's sectarian conflicts was partially addressed with the Peace of Westphalia, which allowed for greater religious self-determination among the states of the Holy Roman Empire, sowing the early seeds of religious pluralism and tolerance in European politics.