<p>The Thirty Years War from 1618 to 1648 is considered one of the most destructive wars in European history. It is estimated that between 4.5 and 8 million soldiers and civilians died as a direct result, while some areas of Germany suffered population declines of more than 50%, also from hunger and disease. The war was part of the German religious struggle that was started by the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Lützen, November 6 or ...