Examine the impact of scientific and technological developments on two societies, each chosen from a different region.

The question requires that the candidates consider the interrelationships between scientific and technological developments and society. The two societies must be chosen from a different region. Candidates may refer to developments in navigation as well as marine technology, which impacted the economy of both Spain and Portugal. Developments in metallurgy and rocketry in Mughal India may be examined in relation to its struggle against the expansion of the East India Company. Also of relevance would be the economic impact of developments in the production and circulation of silver coinage. The developments of armaments and their use to enslave communities in Africa may be examined. In Europe, the development of the Gutenberg press, leading to the vastly increased availability of printed books, may be examined and the impact this had upon the spread of Protestantism. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the interrelationship between merchants and travellers and the developments in trade. Some responses were seen but these mostly consisted of general comments with limited historical context.