This second edition introduces the causes of the Civil Wars through an examination of the different historical interpretations presented by historians since the outbreak of war itself. The author then moves on to consider the progression from crisis to conflict, analysing the relative importance of long-term problems and the personality of Charles I, and examining whether or not war was both unexpected and avoidable. The book looks at the impact of war, the reasons for parliamentary victory and its outcome in the execution of the king, before evaluating the conflict's significance for Britain as a whole. The updated study guides provide a firm basis for answering source-based and essay questions.