“The growth of cities was the most significant social and economic change in the Enlightenment era.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement. Candidates may offer equal coverage of social and economic changes, or they may prioritize their discussion of one aspect. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may discuss the economic change that resulted from the development of industry and capitalism. Social changes may include the change in lifestyle that emerged out of a flourishing new breed of middle classes and traders. The demise of the mercantilist system was arguably the most significant economic change, brought about by laissez-faire economics. 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 the growth of cities was the most significant social and economic change in the Enlightenment era. Few responses were seen to this question. Candidates tended to lack specific knowledge and on occasions lost focus on the question.