01460 258648 
The Thirty Year War and the Rise of Bourbon France
Description
This continuing series of standalone day courses considers European history in the round.
The course considers Europe in the 17th century. The Reformation and counter-reformation that had preoccupied northern Europe for much of the previous century culminated in the Thirty Years War. Fought initially for religious freedom, it mutated into a power struggle by proxy between Bourbon France and the Hapsburg-dominated Empire across the cockpit of the German lands which were devastated in the process.
With peace finally restored by the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, a Europe of nation states began to take form and much of the latter part of the century was framed by the need to contain French territorial ambitions.
The series can be booked as a whole with a discount or as separate courses.
Tutor information
Mike Shaw was a regular soldier for over 30 years and has been a keen student of history all his life. A regular contributor to the Dillington programme, he has an interest in the history of the continent as a whole, particularly where western and slavic cultures have been impacted. A frequent independent traveller through the whole continent, he explores how trading networks flourished from the earliest times despite the countervailing demands of religion and tribal security. He offers rare insights into how historical perspectives have influenced more recent events. More importantly however, it is the way he tells the story.
Your questions answered
All course participants will be sent further instructions prior to the course date.
Please see our Terms and conditions for more information.