1632

1632 is a year in the Gregorian calendar. It was a leap year, occurring during the early modern period and within the broader context of the Thirty Years' War, a major European conflict that involved many states and factions.

In European history, 1632 is best known for the death of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden at the Battle of Lützen on 16 November 1632. His death marked a turning point in the Swedish involvement in the war and influenced the balance of power in northern Europe for years to come. The year saw continued military operations across German-speaking lands as combatants contested territories and sought advantage in a protracted conflict between Habsburg-aligned forces and their opponents, including Sweden and various Protestant states.

Beyond its historical significance, 1632 has a notable place in popular culture through literature. 1632 is the title of a science fiction novel by Eric Flint and several co-authors, first published in 2000. The story imagines a modern American town transported to 1632 in Germany during the Thirty Years' War, creating an alternate-history scenario. The premise gave rise to an expansive shared universe, the 1632 Universe, comprising numerous sequels and anthologies authored by Flint and collaborators.

In sum, 1632 denotes both a historical year marked by ongoing conflict in Europe and a contemporary literary work that spawned a broader fictional universe.

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