Introduction
Briefly introduce the topic: The success of monarchs between 1000 and 1800 was influenced by a complex interplay of factors, with military power often taking center stage.
State your stance: While military strength undoubtedly played a crucial role in establishing and maintaining power, it is an oversimplification to declare it the "main" reason for monarchical success. This essay will argue that alongside military prowess, factors like diplomacy, religious policy, and economic management were equally vital for long-term success.

Paragraph 1: Military Power as a Foundation for Success
Argument: Military strength was often the cornerstone upon which monarchs built their authority, enabling them to secure their realms, deter rivals, and enforce their will.
Example 1: William the Conqueror's decisive victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 epitomizes the impact of military power. This triumph secured his claim to the English throne, subjugated the Anglo-Saxon nobility, and paved the way for the Norman Conquest. It stands as a stark reminder of how military success could underpin a monarch's rise and legitimize their rule.
Example 2: Louis XIV of France, the "Sun King" (reigned 1643-1715), exemplifies the use of military power to assert dominance on the European stage. His near-constant military campaigns, while financially draining, allowed him to expand French territories and establish France as a dominant power in Europe. His reign underscores how military might, when coupled with ambition, could elevate a monarch's stature and influence international relations.

Paragraph 2: Beyond the Battlefield: The Multifaceted Nature of Monarchical Success
Counter-argument: While military might could bring initial success, it was by no means a guarantee for long-term stability or prosperity. Monarchs who relied solely on force often sowed the seeds of their own downfall, facing constant rebellion and instability. Enduring success relied on a more nuanced approach.
Example 1: Elizabeth I’s reign (1558-1603) exemplifies the importance of factors beyond military power. While she successfully navigated England through numerous military threats, including the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, her reign was equally defined by shrewd diplomacy and religious tolerance. Her ability to navigate the delicate religious tensions between Catholics and Protestants through compromise and strategic alliances created a more stable and prosperous England.
Example 2: Henry VII of England (reigned 1485-1509), though victorious in the Wars of the Roses, recognized the importance of consolidating his power through astute financial policies. Instead of solely relying on military strength, he focused on rebuilding the royal treasury, fostering trade, and currying favor with the merchant class. These economic reforms brought stability and wealth to England, demonstrating that a monarch's success wasn't solely measured in military victories.

Conclusion
Summarize the main points: Between 1000 and 1800, military power undeniably played a significant role in shaping the destinies of monarchs. It was through military means that many secured their thrones, defended their realms, and expanded their influence. However, to attribute their success solely to military might is to overlook the multifaceted nature of their power.
Restate your stance in a nuanced way: The most successful monarchs were those who understood that true power lay in a balanced approach. They were masters of warfare when necessary, but also adept diplomats, shrewd administrators, and astute managers of their realms' resources. It was this complex interplay of factors that ultimately defined their successes and cemented their legacies.