“The most important causes of Early Modern wars were political.” With reference to two wars, 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 causes of Early Modern wars were political. The two Early Modern wars may or may not be from the same region. Causes may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the confrontation between imperial power and local power, for example, the Dutch War of Independence. They may refer to issues of succession, for example the Maratha Empire and the war between Sambhaji and Rajaram for the throne. They may consider the clashes over the nature of government as a political cause, for example the English Civil War. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example territorial expansion, economic interests or religious reasons, 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 causes of Early Modern wars were political. There were very few responses seen.