vikings Q4 revision

Has WARFARE been the main factor for Viking migration to Britain?

Point: Viking migration was mainly driven by warfare and violent conquest.

Evidence: Raids began in 793 (Lindisfarne), leading to invasions and Danelaw control.

Analysis: Revealed Viking aims to dominate by force. Resulted in major political change and lasting cultural influence.

Has GEOGRAPHY been the main cause for Viking migration to Britain?

Point: Geography made migration possible and appealing.

Evidence: Scandinavia’s poor farmland = push factor. Britain’s accessible coasts and rivers = pull factor.

Analysis: Enabled success via longships. Shaped where Vikings settled.

Has ECONOMICS AND RESOURCES been the main factor for Viking migration to Britain?

Point: Many Vikings migrated to improve wealth and access better resources.

Evidence: Britain had rich monasteries; East England had fertile land for settlement.

Analysis: Economic need sustained long-term migration and integration.

Has GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS been the main reason for Viking migration to Britain?

Point: Divided Anglo-Saxon kingdoms made invasion easier.

Evidence: Weakness of kingdoms like Mercia/Northumbria; Treaty of Wedmore with Guthrum.

Analysis: British disunity allowed Vikings to succeed politically and settle.

Has IDEAS AND ATTITUDES been the main factor for Viking migration to Britain?

Point: Norse ideas glorified conquest and raiding.

Evidence: Sagas and oral tradition praised warrior lifestyle.

Analysis: Gave motivation and cultural support, though harder to measure impact.

Has RELIGION been the main cause for Viking migration to Britain?

Point: Religious conflict played a role, but not the main reason.

Evidence: Pagan Vikings vs Christian Britain; monasteries targeted (Lindisfarne).

Analysis: Sometimes caused fear and violence but Vikings adapted through conversion.

Has KEY INDIVIDUALS been the main factor for Viking migration to Britain?

Point: Leaders shaped events but didn’t cause migration on their own.

Evidence: Guthrum (Treaty of Wedmore), King Alfred (resistance), various raiding leaders.

Analysis: Helped establish settlements or borders. Individuals made migration possible, not inevitable.

Has SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY been the main factor for Viking migration to Britain?

Point: Viking longships enabled migration success.

Evidence: Ships could sail open seas and inland rivers; fast and flexible.

Analysis: Didn’t cause migration but made it possible and effective.