“Developments in transportation were key to industrialization.” Discuss with reference to two countries, each chosen from a different region.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that developments in transportation were key to industrialization. The two countries must be from different regions. Candidates may discuss the contribution of improved road surface to transportation. “Macadam” roads or the Turnpike Trust provide appropriate examples of development that made the movement of goods safer and more reliable. Candidates may also wish to review the contribution of cheaper forms of transport, such as steamship or steam locomotive, to lowering the price of goods, thereby increasing demand and sustaining industrialization. Similarly, candidates may wish to discuss the role of railway developments in allowing settlements and factories to develop in new areas, further increasing the movement of goods and people. The role of key developments in long-distance transportation may also provide material for discussion. Global trade facilitated the movement of raw material, gave access to cheaper labour in less developed countries such as Mexico or India, and aided expansion into foreign markets after the saturation of local ones. 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 developments in transportation were key to industrialization. The two countries had to be chosen from different regions. A few responses were seen with some reference to the contribution of railroads to the industrial development of the US. The building of highways and of seaports for merchant shipping were also used as examples of how industrialisation was facilitated. Mostly, analysis was limited with responses being descriptive.