Evaluate the impact of independence on the economy of one country of the Americas.

The question requires that candidates weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of the economic impact of independence on one country of the Americas. Candidates may refer to economic stagnation following independence, or the emergence of national conflicts. They may also argue that new governments lacked administrative skill, while self-government implied higher costs. Candidates may also refer to newly-set trade restrictions with former colonizers, affecting trading opportunities. Still, candidates may argue upon positive economic effects brought by the end to external trade monopoly with the colonizer, by opportunities now open to international capital markets, and by freedom from taxation and extractions by colonizers. While other relevant factors, for example social impact of independence, may be referred to for context, the evaluation of the impact of independence on the economy is the principal focus of the question.

The question required candidates to weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of the economic impact of independence on one country of the Americas. The impact of independence on the economy was usually addressed in respect to the origins of the US. While the demands were understood, few responses demonstrated depth of knowledge as to either strengths or weaknesses.