The sixteenth century in Europe was a period of vigorous economic expansion that led to social, political, religious, and cultural transformations and established the early modern age. This resource explores the emergence of monarchial nation-states and early Western capitalism during this period. Also examined in depth are the Protestant Reformation and the Counter-Reformation, which exacerbated tensions between states and contributed to the Thirty Years War (1618 1648). Readers will come to understand how these events developed, how they led to the age of exploration, and how they inform modern European history.

Economics and society -- The state of European politics -- The Reformation -- The Thirty Years' War begins -- The Thirty Years' war ends -- Aftermath of the Thirty Years' war.