1. Religious and territorial conflicts between states created fear and uncertainty.
-> 17th century was a period of great disruption in Europe; conflicts led to continuous warfare.
2. The growth of armies by government to deal with conflicts caused rulers to raise taxes to pay troops.
-> population already suffering
3. Heavy taxes led to additional unrest and peasant revolts.
In response to these crises, monarchs tried to impose order by increasing their own power.
