“Boundary changes were the most significant effect of wars in the period 750–1500.” Discuss with reference to two wars.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that boundary changes were the most significant effect of wars in the period 750–1500. The two wars may or may not be from the same region. Depending on the perspective taken, candidates may discuss the conquest of territory and subsequent border changes resulting in enlarged states or the loss of territory and the subsequent impact of this, for example following the Norman Campaigns, the Hundred Years War or the Mongol Invasions. Candidates may discuss the economic gain (including access to resources or key strategic trading locations) which came from victory and the conquest of new territories. Other relevant factors may be discussed, for example wars which resulted in a change to the line of succession or ruling party or civil wars which did not result in significant boundary change. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that boundary changes were the most significant effect of wars in the period 7501500. Very few responses were seen.