Compare and contrast the causes of the Great Depression in two countries in the Americas.

Candidates are required to demonstrate a clear understanding of the similarities and differences in the causes of the Great Depression in two countries in the region.

Indicative content

• Any countries in the Americas are acceptable. Likely choices could be the United States, Canada, Argentina and Brazil.
• Some common similarities could be decline in agricultural prices, uneven prosperity, stagnant industrial wages, and decreased international trade.
• Some differences might be the stock market crash in the US, but not in other countries, though the effect was felt as business constricted.
• Other differences could be levels of foreign debt, disparity between industrial and agricultural production, specific crops, such as coffee in Brazil and wheat in the US, Canada and Argentina, experiencing price decline, and the economic decisions of political regimes, parties and leaders.
• Similarities and differences will vary depending on the countries chosen, but expect specific knowledge for each country.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]