What might have been the motivation for the imperial army sacking magdeburg?

The imperial army's motivation for sacking Magdeburg in 1631 during the Thirty Years' War was primarily driven by a desire to eliminate Protestant resistance and assert Catholic dominance in the region. The city was a significant stronghold for Protestant forces, and its capture was intended to serve as a warning to other Protestant cities. Additionally, the sacking aimed to secure resources and wealth for the imperial forces, as Magdeburg was a prosperous urban center. The brutal destruction also reflected the intense sectarian conflicts and political struggles of the time.