Evaluate the political impact of Enlightenment ideas in two of the following: Germany; England; Scotland; France; Spain; the Dutch Republic; Italy.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal by weighing up the political impact of Enlightenment ideas in two of the named countries. The political impact may extend beyond the timeframe, but the effects must be clearly linked to the Enlightenment. Candidates may offer equal coverage of both countries. A comparative approach may or may not be used. Candidates may refer to the ideas of the philosophes, which influenced political views, such as principles of religious tolerance,separation of church and state, and the social contract, all of which were seen in France. Ideas of enlightened despotism became popular in a number of European countries. Other relevant factors, for example social and economic effects, may be referred to.

The question required candidates to make an appraisal by weighing up the political impact of Enlightenment ideas in two of Germany, England, Scotland, France, Spain, the Dutch Republic and Italy. Few responses were seen to this question. Candidates tended to answer with reference to mainly France and one other country.