Thirty Years’ War

Between the end of the Thirty Years’ War and the beginning of the nineteenth
century, European states struggled to find ways to make their governments strong
enough to maintain their political and military power. Compare at least three of the
following countries – France, England, Spain, Austria, Prussia, Russia, the
Netherlands, Poland, or Sweden – and explain what happened in their political,
economic, and social history from 1648 through 1780 to either strengthen or weaken
their national governments. Which of the three you discussed was ultimately the
most successful in becoming a strong international power? Why?