Examine the economic effects of the Second World War on two countries of the Americas.

The question requires that candidates consider the economic effects of the Second World War on two countries of the Americas. Candidates may offer equal coverage of effects on both countries, or they may prioritize their discussion of either one. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. A comparative approach may or may not be used. Candidates may refer to a wide range of effects of war on domestic economics including inflation, end of the Depression, changes in trade patterns, industrialization, changes in the economic role of government, economic integration of markets, and promotion of technology. The examination of economic effects is relevant up to 1945. Answers will vary according to the selected case study. Within Latin America some possible countries could be Brazil, Argentina or Mexico; Canada and the US might also be popular choices. While other relevant factors, for example social effects, may be referred to, they would be relevant mainly as context for the issue raised in the question.

The question required candidates to consider the economic effects of the Second World War on two countries of the Americas. The question, when selected, was generally focused on the US and Canada. Knowledge often lacked depth, especially as to Canada, and was frequently more descriptive than analytical. Some candidates ignored the restriction to limit the effects to no later than 1945.