“Taxation was the most effective means of raising an army.” Discuss with reference to two wars, each from a different region.

With reference to two wars, candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the hypothesis that taxation was the most effective means of raising an army. While the focus of the response must be within the timeframe of this topic, the two wars need not have occurred at the same time. However, each of the examples chosen must be from a different region. Factors other than taxation, such as religious belief, tributary obligations, the promise of wealth from divided spoils, and/or the threat of punishment may be discussed to support arguments that may or may not agree with the hypothesis. Each war may be considered separately or a thematic approach may be used if candidates wish to compare the relative importance of relevant factors for each war.