Evaluate the significance of mass production in two countries, each from a different region.

Candidates will appraise the significance of mass production in two countries, which must come from different regions. “Mass production” refers to the production or manufacture of standardized goods in large quantities, especially by machinery. While the focus of the response must be within the timeframe of this topic, the two examples chosen do not need to be contemporaneous with each other. Candidates may evaluate the significance of mass production throughout the timeframe, or they may choose a narrower period. Each country may be considered separately or a thematic approach may be adopted. Candidates may, for example, evaluate the impact of mass production on the cost of goods, employment patterns, transport, living standards, social structure and labour conditions. There may also have been political consequences, such as the emergence of new parties and trade unions. The internationalization of mass production may have enabled the emergence of new economies in the developing world.