“Economic factors were more important than social factors to the foundation of the Fatimid dynasty.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the view that economic factors were more important than social factors for the foundation of the Fatimid Empire. Reasons may predate the timeframe but must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to Fatimid support for trade and economic development in North Africa which gained them the support of the expanding commercial and financial communities. The wealth generated allowed them to recruit powerful armies and to create a navy to further expand their influence. Their economic development of Egypt created a firm economic and military foundation and expanded their influence as missionaries accompanied merchants to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Social factors may include how the intellectual nature of the Isma'ili doctrines attracted many scholars and created a powerful missionary movement; the inclusive nature of their doctrines which brought in many talented individuals discontented with the ‘Abbasids; their focus on the arts helped gain support for the dynasty. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.