What triggered the dynastic disputes that led to wars between 750-1500?

The dynastic disputes between 750-1500 were primarily triggered by succession issues, territorial claims, and religious differences.

Succession issues were a major trigger for dynastic disputes during this period. In many cases, the death of a monarch without a clear heir or the presence of multiple potential heirs led to power struggles within the dynasty. This was often exacerbated by the lack of clear succession laws, which left room for interpretation and manipulation. For instance, the War of the Roses in England (1455-1487) was a series of civil wars for the throne of England fought between supporters of two rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet: the House of Lancaster and the House of York.

Territorial claims were another significant cause of dynastic disputes. As dynasties expanded their territories through marriage, inheritance, or conquest, they often came into conflict with other dynasties with overlapping claims. These disputes could escalate into full-scale wars, as was the case with the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) between the House of Plantagenet and the House of Valois over the right to rule the Kingdom of France.

Religious differences also played a role in triggering dynastic disputes. The split between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church in 1054, known as the Great Schism, led to centuries of conflict between the Catholic West and the Orthodox East. This religious divide was often intertwined with political and territorial disputes, adding another layer of complexity to dynastic conflicts. For example, the Byzantine–Norman wars were a series of conflicts between the Byzantines and the Normans who ruled Sicily and Southern Italy. These wars were not only about territorial control but also about religious dominance.

In conclusion, the dynastic disputes between 750-1500 were complex and multifaceted, driven by a combination of succession issues, territorial claims, and religious differences. These disputes often escalated into wars that reshaped the political landscape of the time, with lasting impacts that can still be seen today.