Challenges

Challenges

Abbasid Caliphate

  • Political Fragmentation: The Abbasid Caliphate was subjected to various rebellions which led to loss of territories. Provincial governors often revolted, seceding and establishing their own independent dynasties.
  • Ethnic tensions: Different ethnic groups such as the Persians, Turks, and Arabs with varying interests and loyalties, often provoked unrest and diluted the Caliphate’s central powers.

Holy Roman Empire (HRE)

  • Internal Conflicts: The Holy Roman Empire was an amalgamation of several states, leading to continuous power struggles between imperial bureaucracy, local nobility and the church.
  • Papacy versus Empire: One of the greatest challenges for the Holy Roman Emperors was the struggle for supremacy with the Papacy, epitomised in the Investiture Controversy.

Ming Dynasty

  • Mongol Threat: Despite having overthrown the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty was constantly under threat from Mongol incursions along the northern borders.
  • Eunuch Power: Court eunuchs gradually gained considerable power and influence, often matching and undermining that of the emperor which led to corruption and instability.

Aztec Empire

  • Rival Tribes: The Aztecs fought to consolidate their rule over various rival tribes, often resulting in rebellions and resistance.
  • Resource Scarcity: Given the Aztec’s location, they constantly faced shortage of certain resources such as metals and had to rely on trade and warfare for those necessities.

Ottoman Empire

  • Territorial Overextension: The fast expansion of the Ottoman Empire caused administrative problems, and created challenges in effectively controlling the vast territories.
  • Succession Crisis: The lack of a formal succession rule created frequent power struggles within the Ottoman dynasty, leading to periods of instability and civil war.

Kingdom of England

  • Power Struggle: Frequent disputes between the monarchy and the nobility characterised the English Middle Ages, including the Barons’ Wars and the War of the Roses.
  • Scottish and French Threats: England faced constant border fights and power struggles with neighbouring Scotland and France, culminating in conflicts such as the Hundred Years’ War.