>The overall reduction of population in the German states was typically 25% to 40%.[82] Some regions were affected much more than others.[83] For example, Württemberg lost three-quarters of its population during the war.[84] In the region of Brandenburg, the losses had amounted to half, while in some areas, an estimated two-thirds of the population died.[85] Overall, the male population of the German states was reduced by almost half.[86] The population of the Czech lands declined by a third due to war, disease, famine, and the expulsion of Protestant population.[87][88] Much of the destruction of civilian lives and property was caused by the cruelty and greed of mercenary soldiers.[89] Villages were especially easy prey to the marauding armies. Those that survived, like the small village of Drais near Mainz, would take almost a hundred years to recover. The Swedish armies alone may have destroyed up to 2,000 castles, 18,000 villages, and 1,500 towns in Germany, one-third of all German towns.[90]
holy fucking shit
who knew sweden was so based? WTF
