Discuss the reasons for the fear of Muslim power in medieval Europe.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons why Muslim power was feared in medieval Europe. Reasons may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the sense of cultural insecurity that resulted from Muslim expansion into Christian territories, and note that it coincided with the decline of the Byzantine Empire. The rising power of the Ottoman Empire, as a rival to medieval European states, and repercussions from the Crusades may also be considered. Institutions such as the Papacy feared losing political power as a consequence of rising Muslim power. The influence of Islamic culture and civilization on medieval Europe that clashed with Christianity and contributed to the ever-growing distrust of Islam as a religion are also possible examples.

The question required candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons why Muslim power was feared in medieval Europe. Few responses were seen to this question. There was a limited amount of in-depth knowledge displayed.