Topic 2: Military conflict

In this topic students explore the causes, processes, and outcomes of conflict. One or more of the following conflicts are recommended:

• Persian Wars or Peloponnesian Wars
• Punic Wars
• wars between the Egyptians and Hittites, e.g. Kadesh
• Later Han and the Three Kingdoms period
• Gupta Empire and Huna Wars
• reign of Shalmaneser III.

Students study the factors that give rise to and shape conflict, such as social and cultural differences, and political, economic, and military ambitions. They examine conflict as initiating change in societies, and reflect on the consequences. They consider the roles and influence of both military and political leaders, the consequences of conflict, and the formation, maintenance, and breakdown of alliances. Students examine the use of specific military strategies and tactics. Studies could include investigating the nature of weapons, armour, morale, and the size of the forces, and how these factors contributed to the nature and outcome of the conflict. Through considering the significance of various events, students evaluate the usefulness of relevant primary and secondary sources, and recognise differences in interpretations among historians.