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Date May 2019 Marks available 15 Reference code 19M.2.BP.TZ1.12
Level Both SL and HL Paper Paper 2 - first exams 2017 Time zone TZ1
Command term To what extent Question number 12 Adapted from N/A

Question

Topic 6: Causes and effects of early modern wars (1500–1750)

To what extent did mercenaries have an impact on the outcome of two wars?

Markscheme

The question requires that candidates make a balanced review of the role of mercenaries in the outcome of two wars, weighing up their importance or otherwise. The two wars may or may not be from the same region and they may or may not have been contemporaneous with each other. Candidates may review the impact of mercenaries in the Dutch War of Independence, and Gustav II Adolf’s largely mercenary army in the Thirty Years’ War. They may also review the role of Portuguese mercenaries in the Burmese–Siamese War (1547-1549) and Ethiopian–Adal War (1529–1543). It would be valid to comment on wars where mercenaries played little part, such as the Japanese invasion of Korea (1592–1598). While other relevant factors that affected the outcome of wars may be referred to, such as tactics, logistics or numerical superiority, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question.

Examiners report

The question required candidates to make a balanced review of the role of mercenaries in the outcome of two wars, weighing up their importance or otherwise.

Syllabus sections

World history topics: first exams 2017 » 6. Causes and effects of Early Modern wars (1500–1750) » Causes of conflicts » Economic causes; competition for resources
World history topics: first exams 2017 » 6. Causes and effects of Early Modern wars (1500–1750) » Causes of conflicts
World history topics: first exams 2017 » 6. Causes and effects of Early Modern wars (1500–1750)
World history topics: first exams 2017

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