Discuss the reasons for, and impact of, the Pombaline reforms.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for, and impact of, the Pombaline reforms. Discussion of both reasons and impact may extend beyond the timeframe but it must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may offer equal coverage of reasons and impact, or they may prioritize their discussion of one of them, however, both aspects will be a feature of the response. For reasons, candidates may discuss the influence of the Enlightenment, the aim of making the administration of Portuguese colonies more efficient and trade more profitable. For impact, candidates may discuss the new territorial divisions, the increase in taxation pressure, the creation of new trade companies or the expulsion of the Jesuits. Candidates may argue that the reforms failed to consolidate royal authority and led to riots and demonstrations. 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 reasons for, and impact of, the Pombaline reforms.