“Western influences had a significant impact on economic and social developments.” Discuss with reference to one of the following: Iran, Saudi Arabia or a North African state.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that Western influences had a significant impact on economic and social developments in either Iran, Saudi Arabia or a North African state. Impact may extend beyond the timeframe but must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to Western influences such as economic and industrial development and the impact in the chosen country. The impact of Western development in raw materials such as oil is an example. Western ideas on education, politics, gender issues and religion may be considered for social impact. Candidates may explain reasons for the limited impact of Western influence. Responses may also show that whilst impact in economic areas was extensive, it was limited in the area of social development or vice-versa. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

This question was very widely done and very often poorly as many students showed either a lack of relevant knowledge or quite often discussed the wrong time period. The question was up to 1945 but many students, nearly all of whom chose Iran as their subject, discussed Iran after 1945 rather than in the required period. Results were poor.