“Independence established new and effective trade relations.” Discuss with reference to two societies of the Americas.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that independence shaped new and effective trade relations in the Americas. Candidates may offer equal coverage of each society or they may prioritize their discussion of one. However, both societies will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to how, with the end of colonial monopoly, the Americas became markets for European industrial goods. They may also claim that Europe and the US became markets for Latin American sugar, coffee and tobacco. Candidates may argue that the lack of infrastructure made it difficult for new trade patterns to emerge and that trade within the region, especially in Latin America, continued to be limited. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example the continuity of monoculture patterns, 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 independence shaped new and effective trade relations in the Americas. This was rarely chosen and some candidates applied only one country or applied the United States and Great Britain.