“The most significant development of industrialization was improved communications.” Discuss with reference to two countries.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the most significant development of industrialization was improved communications. The two countries may or may not be from the same region and they may or may not have been contemporaneous with each other. Consequences of the improvements in communications may extend beyond the timeframe, but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. A comparative approach may or may not be used. Candidates may refer to specific technological improvements; developments in print or digital media; changes in transportation that facilitated increased communication, for example the role of railways. While other significant developments of industrialization such as energy, power, infrastructure and mass production, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question.