“Economic factors played an important role in the rise of independence movements.” Discuss with reference to one country of the Americas between 1763 and 1830.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the suggestion that economic factors played an important role in the rise of independence movements by examining one country within the given timeframe. While other factors may be developed as having equal or greater impact, the suggestion that economic factors played a substantial role must be considered. Economic factors to be considered may include taxation and trade policies, restrictive land policies, concerns of wealthy colonial leaders regarding their political capacity to protect economic interests, tensions between rural and urban areas, and economic inequality between different social classes. Other factors might include European events such as the French Revolution, problems of military supply and reinforcement from Europe, as well as the role of colonial leaders, often influenced by Enlightenment ideals.