The European Wars of Religion were a series of conflicts in the 16th and 17th centuries, primarily driven by the struggle between Catholicism and Protestantism. Key events included the French Wars of Religion, the Thirty Years' War, and the English Civil War. These wars resulted in significant political and social changes across Europe, as nations grappled with issues of faith and governance. The conflicts often involved various European powers, including France, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire. The wars led to widespread devastation, loss of life, and shifts in power dynamics, ultimately contributing to the rise of state sovereignty and the decline of religious authority in political matters.