This book comes from a series which provides analyses of complex issues and problems in important A level modern history topics. Using supporting documents, the book gives students an account of the historical facts and an understanding of the central themes and differing interpretations. This book aims to present as concisely as possible one of the most turbulent periods in French history, when the monarchy almost collapsed as a consequence of a series of bitter civil wars, exacerbated by massacres and political assassinations. It examines the effects of the civil war - political, economic and social - and considers the extent of the kingdoms recovery under Henry IV. Also appearing in this book, and for the first time in English, are a selection of extracts from primary sources illustrating the various aspects of the war.