To what extent were political reasons the driving force in the expansion of two colonial empires? 

Candidates will consider the extent to which political motives were the most significant reason for the expansion of two colonial empires. The colonial empires may or may not come from the same region and may cross regions. While the focus of the response must be within the timeframe of this topic, the chosen empires do not need to be contemporaneous with each other. Each empire may be considered separately or a thematic approach may be used. While the prime focus will be on political motives, other motives may be considered for comparison. Candidates may consider, for example, the linkage between colonial expansion and a state’s power and prestige and/or a ruler’s ambition. Non-political motives could be economic, such as the need to control a resource or a trade route. A variety of approaches is possible.