Evaluate the significance of developments in energy and power to industrialization in two countries.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of developments in energy and power to industrialization to two countries, weighing up their importance or otherwise. The two countries may or may not be from the same region. Significance may extend beyond the timeframe but it must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may offer equal coverage of both countries or they may prioritize their evaluation of one of them. However, both countries will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to the introduction of new developments, for example steam power, which provided an effective and cheap alternative to manual labour and enabled a reduction of prices. Candidates may also refer to advancements in gas and electricity, which made mechanization, extended working hours or the use of key items (for example telegraphs or trams) possible. Other factors may include exploitation of natural resources, transportation, mass production or communication. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates make an appraisal of developments in energy and power to industrialization to two countries. There were a few responses seen to this question and, for the most part, detailed knowledge was limited. Candidates resorted to rather general comments demonstrating little understanding of the demands of the question. "Power" was often interpreted as referring to political influence as opposed referring to things like steam power.