The year 1636 was significant in various historical contexts, particularly in Europe and the Americas. It marked the establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony's first college, which would later become Harvard University, reflecting the growing importance of education in the New World. In Europe, the year was notable for the ongoing Thirty Years' War, a conflict that involved many nations and had profound effects on the continent's political landscape. The war's impact on society and governance would shape Europe for decades to come, highlighting the turbulent nature of the 17th century.