I. Rivalry and War in the Age of Philip II

1			Evaluate the relative weight of religious and political factors underlying the wars between the 1560s and 1640s.
2			What problems faced Philip II?

II. From Unbounded War to International Crises

3			In what ways does the Thirty Years' War reflect the mixture of politics and religion in war during this period?
4			What was the significance of the Peace of Westphalia?

III. The Military Revolution

5			What changes in military equipment, tactics, and organization took place during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries? What were some of the economic, social, and political consequences of these changes?

IV. Revolution in England

6			How do you explain the civil war and revolution in England? Were opponents clearly split along religious or social lines?
7			What role did Cromwell play during this period?

V. Revolts in France and Spain

8			Compare the issues that caused discord in France and England. Is it fair to consider the Fronde similar to the English revolution? Why?
9			How do you explain Spain's decline in the seventeenth century? Evaluate the role economic factors played in this decline.

VI. Political Change in an Age of Crisis

10			What was so unusual about the United Provinces? How would you explain its rapid economic and cultural success?
11			How was Sweden able to rise from a second-rate power to a position of dominance in the Baltic during the seventeenth century? What policies did Gustavus Adolphus follow to this end?
12			Compare the general nature of constitutional settlements reached throughout Europe at mid-century. In what areas did monarchical power prevail? In what areas was monarchical power weakened?