“The exploitation of natural resources was the most significant contributor to industrialization.” Discuss with reference to two countries.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the exploitation of natural resources was the most significant contributor to industrialization in two countries. The two countries may or may not be from the same region. Candidates may offer equal coverage of both countries, or they may prioritize their discussion of one of them. However, both countries will be a feature of the response. Candidates may discuss how the improvements in the exploitation and production of iron allowed countries such as Britain or Germany to make better use of their own resources; avoiding dependence on imports and facilitating the production of steel, leading to mass production. Advancements in the exploitation of coal and fossil fuels provided the means for transport and to power factories. Candidates may also discuss how the extraction and processing of timber at a larger scale helped construction and contributed to industrialization. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example developments in energy and power, transportation, mass production or communication, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the exploitation of natural resources was the most significant contributor to industrialization in 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 with rather poorly supported assertions demonstrating little understanding of the demands of the question.