Examine the impact of developments in energy and power on industrialization in two countries, each chosen from a different region.

The question requires that candidates consider the interrelationship between developments in energy and power and industrialization. The two countries must be from different regions. Candidates may consider the introduction of steam power during the First Industrial Revolution in relation to the impact of having an effective and cheap alternative to manual labour. Candidates may examine the links between the reduction in the price of goods, the increase in demand, and the impetus to industrialization. Candidates may also examine the impact of developments in gas and electricity in enabling mechanization, as well as in extension of working hours in better-lit factories. Similarly, the use of electricity to power telegraphs, telephones, radios and trams facilitated transport and communication in new industrialized urban centres. Candidates may consider the impact of developments in sources of energy in relation to the growth of possible markets for industrial goods. Automobiles, airplanes and ships made long-distance transport possible, facilitating global trade and thereby allowing industrialization to develop further. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the interrelationship between developments in energy and power and industrialization. The two countries had to be chosen from different regions. A few responses were seen that made some reference to the mining of coal or the drilling for oil. Mostly, analysis was limited with responses being descriptive.