“Developments in energy and power had the most significant role in the process of industrialization.” Discuss with reference to two countries.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that developments in energy and power were the most significant contributors to the process of industrialization in two countries. The two countries may or may not be from the same region and the processes of industrialization may or may not have been contemporaneous with each other. Candidates may offer equal coverage of developments in energy and power, or they may emphasize their discussion of one of them; however, both aspects will be a feature of the response. A comparative approach may or may not be used. Candidates may refer to the introduction of, for example, steam power during the first industrial revolution that provided an alternative to manual labour. Such advances enabled mechanization and extended working hours in factories through the use of gas lighting. Candidates may also refer to petrol-powered automobiles, aeroplanes and ships that facilitated global trade. While other relevant factors, for example, iron and steel production, mass production or mass communication, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.

The question required candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that developments in energy and power were the most significant contributors to the process of industrialization in two countries. For the most part, responses demonstrated limited relevant knowledge, and most contained rather general assertions that made some reference to coal or oil as contributing to the process of industrialization.