“The most important reasons for the territorial expansion of Early Modern states were religious.” With reference to two states, to what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the most important reasons for territorial expansion were religious. The two states may or may not be from the same region. Reasons may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may offer equal coverage of states or they may prioritize their assessment of one of them. However, both states will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to a desire to evangelize, for example the conversion of the indigenous people in Hispanic America. They may refer to the links between religion and political power as a reason for the expansion, for example the Ottoman Empire. They may also refer to the lack of religious tolerance as a reason for expansion, for example the establishment of some British colonies in North America. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example economic reasons or the competition among the states, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the most important reasons for the territorial expansion of Early Modern states were religious. There were very few responses seen.