NAME: ____________________________________________________________ DATE:

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7° - WHAT IS A WAR CORRESPONDENT?

A war correspondent is a journalist who reports from war zones and conflict areas. Their primary role is
to gather and relay information about ongoing conflicts, including battles, casualties, political
developments, and the impact of the war on civilians. War correspondents often work in dangerous and
challenging environments, facing risks such as combat, bombings, and other hazards associated with
conflict zones.
Key responsibilities of a war correspondent include:
1. Reporting: They provide timely and accurate reports on military activities, political
developments, and humanitarian issues related to the conflict.
2. Interviews: War correspondents interview soldiers, civilians, and officials to gather firsthand
accounts and insights into the situation.
3. Photography and Videography: They capture images and videos to visually document the
impact of war, including scenes from the front lines, refugee camps, and affected communities.
4. Analysis: War correspondents analyze the broader context of the conflict, including its
historical background, geopolitical implications, and potential outcomes.
5. Risk Management: They must assess and manage risks to their safety while operating in
dangerous environments, often working alongside security personnel and following safety
protocols.
6. Ethical Considerations: War correspondents must navigate ethical dilemmas, such as
balancing the public's right to know with concerns about sensitivity and respect for victims of
war.
Overall, war correspondents play a crucial role in informing the public and policymakers about the
realities of war and its human consequences.

After you have understood what a war correspondent is, read the following text to complete the
activities:

Title: The 30 Years War: Europe's Decades-Long Conflict

Introduction:
Welcome to the tumultuous era of the 17th century in Europe, where kingdoms clashed, religious
tensions ran high, and a devastating war known as the 30 Years War unfolded. Join us on a journey
through this complex and transformative period in European history.
Setting the Stage:
The 30 Years War, which lasted from 1618 to 1648, was a multifaceted conflict that engulfed much of
Europe. It was a time of political intrigue, religious divisions, and power struggles among European
nations and empires.
Religious Rifts:
One of the key factors that fueled the 30 Years War was religious discord. Europe was divided between
Catholicism and Protestantism, with tensions simmering for decades following the Protestant
Reformation led by Martin Luther in the 16th century.
The Conflict Begins:
The spark that ignited the 30 Years War was the defenestration of Prague in 1618. This event, where
Protestant nobles threw Catholic officials out of a window in Prague Castle, marked the beginning of a
series of conflicts that would escalate into a full-scale war.
Phases of the War:
The 30 Years War can be divided into four main phases:
1. Bohemian Phase (1618-1625): This phase began with the defenestration of Prague and focused
on the struggle for religious and political control in Bohemia. The Bohemian Protestants sought
to assert their autonomy from Catholic Habsburg rule.
2. Danish Phase (1625-1629): Denmark entered the war on the Protestant side, leading to battles
across northern Europe. The Danish king, Christian IV, sought to counter Habsburg power but
was ultimately defeated.
3. Swedish Phase (1630-1635): Sweden, under the leadership of King Gustavus Adolphus,
intervened on the Protestant side. The Swedish forces achieved notable victories and changed
the course of the war.
4. French Phase (1635-1648): France, despite being a Catholic nation, joined the war against the
Habsburgs to curb their power. The conflict became more complex as various European powers
vied for dominance.
Key Battles and Figures:
Throughout the 30 Years War, several pivotal battles and influential figures shaped its course.
Battlefields such as Breitenfeld, Lützen, Rocroi, and Nördlingen witnessed fierce fighting and strategic
maneuvers.
Notable leaders included Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, Wallenstein of the Holy Roman Empire, and
Cardinal Richelieu of France. These figures wielded military and political influence, leaving their mark
on the outcome of the war.
Peace of Westphalia:
The 30 Years War finally came to an end with the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. This landmark treaty
established principles of state sovereignty, religious tolerance, and territorial boundaries that reshaped
the map of Europe.
Impact and Legacy:
The 30 Years War had far-reaching consequences for Europe. It led to immense loss of life, economic
devastation, and political upheaval. However, it also marked a transition towards modern diplomacy,
religious pluralism, and the concept of nation-states.
Conclusion:
The 30 Years War was a watershed moment in European history, symbolizing the complexities of
religious, political, and military conflicts during the early modern period. As we reflect on this
turbulent chapter, we gain insights into the struggles and transformations that shaped the continent and
laid the groundwork for the modern world.

ACTIVITY
1. Highlight and Write 5 words you don´t know from the text on your notebook and find their
meaning.

2. On a bloc sheet, you are going to write a journal article about one of the wars or conflicts within
the 30 years war (you may look for additional information to compliment the text’s ideas); and
you´re going to write about it pretending to be a war correspondent. In other words, you must
write the article as if you were there in the conflict. Add drawings as if they were photos to give
more impact to your article.