“Their successes outweighed their failures.” With reference to two rulers, each from a different region, to what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that rulers’ successes outweighed their failures. The two rulers must be from different regions but they may or may not have been contemporaries. Where relevant, the effects of a ruler’s successes and failures may extend beyond 1789, but these effects must be clearly linked to the actions of rulers from the given timeframe. A comparative approach may or may not be used. Candidates may refer to the success and/or failure of the rulers regarding issues such as treatment of opposition, confirmation of legitimacy, foreign policies, fiscal policies and military prowess (or lack thereof). Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.