“The most significant effect of the growth of cities and factories was social change.” Discuss with reference to two countries, each chosen from a different region.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the social impact of the growth of cities and factories in two countries. The two countries must be from different regions. The growth of cities and factories may or may not have occurred at the same time. Candidates may offer equal coverage of the two countries, or they may emphasize their discussion of one of them; however, both countries will be a feature of the response. A comparative approach may or may not be used. Candidates may refer to the impact of cities and factories on family life, on public health, and on rural society (as resources may have been diverted to cities, and rural depopulation may have occurred). The growth of factories may have affected the nature and quality of housing, and the relationship between employer and employee. There may also be discussion of transport issues, such as congestion, and the development of suburbs.

The question required candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of the social impact of the growth of cities and factories in two countries, each chosen from a different region. Although several responses were seen to this question, there was little detailed knowledge demonstrated and, for the most part, content consisted of rather vague references to the movement of population from rural to urban areas.