Evaluate the effectiveness of two rulers, each chosen from a different region, in resolving issues of succession.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the effectiveness of two rulers, each chosen from a different region, in resolving issues of succession. Candidates need to identify clearly the nature of the issues: these may be linked to factors such as there being more than one heir to a kingdom or empire; the administration of a regency; or, alternatively, a challenge made due to the fitness or ability of an heir to defend or to expand territory. Candidates will need to evaluate the effectiveness of how these were resolved. Resolution may have been achieved through methods such as the custom of imprisoning or assassinating rivals in the Ottoman Empire; the resort to war as in the Wars of the Roses in England and the Tepanec War in the Aztec Empire. In Asia, the resolution of disputes over succession in the Song dynasty may be discussed. Candidates’ opinions and conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the effectiveness of two rulers, each chosen from a different region, in resolving issues of succession. There were very few responses seen.