A war fought primarily in Central Europe between 1618 and 1648 that led to the death of about eight million people from battle, disease, and starvation. It started as a religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants, but ultimately became about power in Europe.
Thirty Years' War
Fact of the Day
The US manufactured so many Purple Hearts for the planned invasion of Japan that there is still a reserve of over 100,000 today.
Quote of the Day
"Pray for me, now my calamity is at hand!
"
~ John Stubbs, just before having his hand removed for seditious writing, 1579
On This Day
1537 Henry VIII's third wife, Jane Seymour, died of a fever following the birth of her son.
1648 The Treaty of Westphalia marked the end of the Thirty Years War. The first six months of the peace conference was spent arguing about protocol.
1901 Annie Edson Taylor, a 63 year old schoolteacher was the first person to plunge over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
1945 The United Nations was founded.
2003 Concorde completed its final commercial passenger flight.