“Wars in the period 750–1500 resulted in significant boundary and dynastic changes.” Discuss with reference to two wars, each chosen from a different region.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that wars in this period resulted in significant boundary and dynastic changes. The two wars must be from different regions. Changes may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may offer equal coverage of both wars or they may prioritize their discussion of one of them. However, both wars will be a feature of the response. Candidates may discuss territorial and dynastic changes resulting from invasions, as in the case of the Crusades or the Norman Conquest. Candidates may also discuss the permanency of changes, as in the case of the Hundred Years War, in which the French crown returned to the Valois; or the extent of the change in wars of succession where control shifted between contenders with the same lineage, for example the ‘Abassid Civil War. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that wars resulted in significant boundary and dynastic changes. Each of the two wars were to be chosen from a different region. There were very few responses seen.