“Religion was the most important cause of wars in the period 750–1500.” 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 wars in this period were religious. The two 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 offer equal coverage of both wars, or they may prioritize their assessment of one of them. However, both wars will be a feature of the response. Candidates may consider the role of religious leaders in increasing tensions, for example Pope Urban II; the impetus to invasions provided by the promise of afterlife rewards; the need to secure prisoners for sacrifice by, for example, the Aztecs. Candidates may propose that in the case of some wars religious and political leadership are indivisible. Other relevant factors such as economic or political factors may be addressed, 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 wars in this period were religious. There were very few responses seen.