30 years war and toleration

From Intolerance and War to Tolerance

The 30 Years War

• Catholic–Protestant conflicts in England during the 17^th century were sometimes bloody.

• During the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648), nearly one-third of the population of the German states died.

Religious Tolerance Begins

• The idea of religious tolerance started to become popular with the Enlightenment.

• The tolerance was twofold:

  • tolerance between religions, and

  • tolerance by governments for the different religions practiced in their countries.

• The Enlightenment also led to opposition toward religion in general.

• Catholic and Protestant conflict settled down as nations began to develop laws of religious tolerance.

• Not until the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) did official dialogue and openness between Catholics and Protestants become a reality.