“Rulers rarely achieved their ambitions.” Discuss with reference to two rulers, each chosen from a different region.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that rulers rarely achieved their ambitions. The two rulers must be from different regions. The period of rule may predate or extend beyond the timeframe, but the discussion must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. The failure of George III of England to retain the 13 colonies may be discussed as an example of thwarted ambition. It may be argued that the achievements of Suleiman the Magnificent did equal his ambitions although he died before reaching the gates of Vienna. It may be argued that the achievements of Elizabeth I of England kept pace with her ambition to retain control over the throne and to secure the Tudor legacy. Despite the cost of his military campaigns, the expansion of territory under the control of the Kiangsi Emperor of the Ming dynasty in China may also be used to refute the statement. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that rulers rarely achieved their ambitions. The two rulers had to be chosen from different regions.