Compare and contrast the methods used by two rulers to deal with challenges to their reign, each chosen from a different region.

The question requires that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences between the methods used by two rulers to deal with challenges to their reign, referring to both throughout. There does not need to be an equal number of each. The two rulers chosen must be from different regions. Rivalry between the Lancastrian and Yorkist dynasties in England, for example, led to the Wars of the Roses and this may be contrasted with the Ottoman Empire where the challenges to dynastic succession were usually met by the timely assassination of possible rivals. When challenged by enemy invasion, Emperor Gaozong of the Southern Song dynasty resorted to appeasement through ceding territory. Similarly, Moctezuma II offered gifts and hospitality to the Spanish conquistadores although this proved ineffective. A comparison or contrast may be made with Mansa Musa, the ruler of Mali who, arguably, successfully anticipated any challenges by displays of his immense wealth.

The question required candidates to give an account of the similarities and differences between the methods used by two rulers to deal with challenges to their reign. Very few responses were seen.