Several theses discussing the much debated cause of the crisis of the 17th Century and whether it actually existed. Views ranging from solely economic attributes to lack of governmental flexibility to change with the times is argued as the sole reasons for the crisis. Some center completely on Europe, showing their ethnocentrism, while other acknowledge the existence and contribution of the growing South-East Asian colonies. As a whole, most if not all the possible contributing factors are presented at one point or the other. This compilation is often used in graduate courses to stimulate discussion on the topic.