An engaging range of period texts and theme books for AS and A Level history. 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 did Spain decline and Holland enter its 'golden age'? Why was there a European witch hunt in the first half of the seventeenth century? And was there, indeed a 'scientific...

An engaging range of period texts and theme books for AS and A Level history. The period 1919 to 1989 witnessed major changes to international relations. These included the emergence of the USA as the world's most powerful state, and the impact of Communist Russia on European and world diplomacy. Allan Todd focuses on the problems caused by the First World War and the resulting peace treaties, as well as on the factors leading to the Second World War. He also examines developments in the Soviet Union, under Stalin, and its importance in inter-war diplomacy. The origins and the course of the...

Diana Newton provides a survey of the religious changes arising from the challenges to the Catholic Church in the sixteenth century. The book examines the political and social impact of religious change on England, Scotland and Ireland from the mid sixteenth century to the beginning of the eighteenth century. An account is given of the fate of Catholics living in a Protestant country and there is an assessment of state attitudes towards Protestant non conformists. While concentrating on Britain, the book explores how religion and religious controversy influenced relations with the continent...