Evaluate the consequences of the exploration of the New World for Europe.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the consequences of the exploration of the New World for Europe. Consequences may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the transformation of economic relationships of medieval Europe through the introduction of gold and silver. Candidates may discuss the impact on social and class structures where the merchants and manufacturers slowly replaced, in many cases, the land-owning nobility. Candidates may refer to the rethinking of political and commercial enterprises consolidating relations between entrepreneurs and governments. There may be reference to the introduction of new plants and foods to the European market and its impact. Candidates may refer to a New World view of the globe and Europe’s place in it establishing a Eurocentric perspective.