This title highlights and explains the most important aspects of this complex conflict. It concentrates on the origins of the war, how it unfolded through its various episodes, why it went on so long, how it came to an end and what its consequences were. In addition, there is a full chapter dealing with the nature of the war, which looks at its effects on religion, military conduct, the economy and society. The war is examined through an accessible narrative and up-to-date research. The updated study guides provide a firm basis for answering differentiated source-based and extended writing questions.