Expansion, War and Rebellion: Europe 1598–1661

by Quentin Deakin

• ISBN13: 9780521586160
• ISBN10: 052158616X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-08-15
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Seventeenth century Europe was characterised by war, rebellion, social upheaval, economic expansion and scientific discovery. In this accessible book, Quentin Deakin addresses key issues central to an understanding of the period: Why did the Thirty Years' War break out in 1618? How did Richelieu and Mazarin extend the power of France? Why was there a European witch hunt in the first half of the seventeenth century? And was there a 'scientific revolution'? Expansion, War and Rebellion is part of the Cambridge Perspectives in History series. The book matches the requirements of the OCR examination specifications and is endorsed by OCR. It is suitable for all Advanced Subsidiary (AS) students, as well as for A level students and undergraduates needing an introduction to the period. The book is illustrated and contains a range of primary sources.

Table of Contents

Introduction: was it all doom and gloom?	1	(2)
The people divided	3	(16)
Overview	3	(1)
In what ways was their environment different from ours?	4	(1)
How far did ethnic differences create divisions?	5	(2)
How did social class, gender and age affect your chances?	7	(7)
What was the quality of life?	14	(5)
Powers and faiths	19	(14)
Overview	19	(1)
Which were the most powerful states?	20	(5)
Apart from emerging nation-states, what else commanded loyalty?	25	(3)
When and why did Christianity start to be divided?	28	(5)
France: Richelieu	33	(18)
Overview	34	(4)
Why did monarchs often rule through powerful favourites in this period?	38	(1)
What were Richelieu's aims?	39	(5)
How far did Richelieu achieve his aims?	44	(7)
Historical sources	47	(4)
France: Mazarin	51	(17)
Overview	52	(1)
Why was Mazarin faced by rebellion?	52	(6)
Why were Mazarin and monarchy in France able to survive?	58	(6)
How far did the foreign policy of Richelieu and Mazarin extend the power of France?	64	(4)
Historical sources	65	(3)
Revolt and decline in Spain: Lerma and Olivares	68	(15)
Overview	69	(1)
What were the problems of governing Spain?	69	(5)
How effective were Spain's kings and their ministers?	74	(9)
Historical sources	81	(2)
The extent of decline in Spain	83	(14)
Overview	84	(1)
What were the problems of governing Spain in its period of deepest crisis?	84	(13)
Why were there economic problems?	86	(6)
How far did Spain remain a major power?	92	(3)
Historical sources	95	(2)
The economic and social foundation of the United Provinces	97	(12)
Overview	98	(2)
How did the Dutch take advantage of the decline of the Mediterranean economy?	100	(3)
What were the secrets of Holland's success?	103	(3)
What was the impact of war on the Dutch economy?	106	(3)
Historical sources	107	(2)
Causes of the Thirty Years' War	109	(15)
Overview	109	(2)
What were the effects of the Catholic revival in France, Spain, Austria and Bavaria?	111	(3)
How was the Holy Roman Empire caught up in the ambitions of the Bourbons and Habsburgs?	114	(2)
Why did the Thirty Years' War break out in 1618?	116	(8)
Historical sources	119	(2)
Picture case study	121	(3)
The war and its consequences	124	(18)
Overview	124	(1)
What were the effects of foreign intervention?	125	(5)
Why could the Habsburgs not maintain their early successes?	130	(3)
What was the outcome of the Thirty Years' War?	133	(9)
Historical sources	137	(5)
The European witch-hunt	142	(17)
Overview	142	(1)
Why was there a European witch-hunt in the first half of the seventeenth century?	143	(6)
Who were the accused and who the persecutors?	149	(5)
What are the different views taken by historians on this topic?	154	(5)
Historical sources	156	(3)
The scientific revolution - fact or fiction?	159	(14)
Overview	159	(1)
How did science change as a result of both the contribution of individuals and broader developments in society?	160	(4)
What was the balance of continuity and change in biology and chemistry? Why was less progress made than in physics?	164	(4)
Was there a `scientific revolution' in this century?	168	(1)
Why have some historians preferred to describe developments as a scientific movement rather than a `revolution?	169	(4)
Historical sources	171	(2)
Further reading	173	(2)
Index	175