With reference to the period up to 900, discuss the consequences of the ‘Abbasid Revolution.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the consequences of the ‘Abbasid revolution. Candidates may provide context by offering some background to the region prior to the revolution. They may identify an overarching consequence, such as the transformation of the Islamic world from a society dominated by Arabs to a more multi-cultural one, or they could offer a chronological approach in which individual consequences are discussed. Alternatively, candidates could offer a thematic approach; for example, they could address cultural changes, such as increased literary output and intellectual development. Other consequences may include greater knowledge of the world due to exploration, economic factors such urbanisation and increased trade, sectarian and ethnic divisions, the political fracturing of the Muslim world, and the spread of Islam due to proselytization. Other relevant factors may be referred to.