What were the main causes of the Thirty Years' War?

The Thirty Years' War, which lasted from 1618 to 1648, was primarily driven by a combination of religious conflicts and territorial disputes. At its core, the war involved significant tensions between Protestant and Catholic states within the fragmented Holy Roman Empire. The Protestant Reformation, which began in the early 16th century, laid the groundwork for these divisions, leading to a long-standing struggle for power and control.

The religious aspect manifested as a struggle for dominance between Protestantism and Catholicism, with various states aligning themselves with one faith or the other, contributing to the conflict's intensity. The territorial disputes further fueled the war, as many of the powers involved sought to expand their influence and control over key regions, leading to an intense rivalry among European states.

In this context, while economic hardship did play a role in the broader social environment of the time, it was not the primary cause of the war itself. The rising influence of the aristocracy and the involvement of the Catholic Church were also not pivotal factors in the initiation and escalation of the conflict. Instead, it was the complex interplay of religious fervor and territorial ambition that set the stage for one of Europe's most devastating wars.