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.