Discuss the reasons for the fall of the Umayyads.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for the fall of the Umayyad dynasty. Causes may predate the timeframe but must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the rise of military opposition within the empire, including rebellions by Syrian contingents in the Umayyad army; conflicts with religious leaders and other religious tensions, especially discontent among the Shia; difficulties posed by ethnic rivalries between Arabs and non-Arabs; the weakness of dynastic leaders such as Al-Walid II; as well as other social and economic issues. While other relevant factors, for example, long-term resentment dating back to the Umayyad seizure of power may be discussed, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question.