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"The main reason why Vikings left their homelands was the problems they faced in Scandinavia.' How far do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 5
"The main reason why Vikings left their homelands was the problems they faced in Scandinavia.' How far do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:"The main reason why Vikings left their homelands was the problems they faced in Scandinavia.' How far do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Balanced Argument Supporting Both Sides
Answer
In this argument, it's important to explore both sides of the statement regarding the reasons for Vikings leaving Scandinavia. On one hand, it can indeed be argued that the problems in their homelands, such as overpopulation, resource scarcity, and political strife, were significant factors driving them to seek new territories.
Historical accounts suggest that as the population grew, the available land became more coveted. This often resulted in conflicts over resources, pushing communities to explore settlements elsewhere, including parts of Britain and Ireland. Furthermore, the harsh climatic conditions during certain periods might have exacerbated food shortages, prompting the Vikings to leave for better prospects.
On the other hand, there were also compelling reasons for their voyages that were not purely linked to escaping issues at home. The Viking Age was characterized by a spirit of adventure, trade, and exploration that motivated many to seek new lands, riches, and trade routes. The lure of wealth and the prospect of establishing powerful trading networks could be seen as equally or even more important than the problems they faced in Scandinavia.
Step 2
Circumstances Leading to Exploration
Answer
Despite the hardships faced in Scandinavia, the Viking expeditions were motivated by additional factors. The exploration led to discoveries of new lands like Greenland and North America, which were not driven solely by a need to escape problems but rather by aspirations for conquest and discovery.
Step 3
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while the problems in Scandinavia certainly played a crucial role in pushing the Vikings to leave their homelands, it is equally important to recognize that the Viking spirit of adventure and the quest for trade and riches were significant motivators as well. Therefore, I find that I agree with the premise to an extent but believe that the exploration was fueled by a combination of these factors.