Question
Discuss the view that the Scientific Revolution overturned accepted belief systems.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the impact on accepted beliefs of the Scientific Revolution. Candidates may choose to support or challenge the presented view, or they may find the middle ground and suggest that the Scientific Revolution had some, albeit limited, effects on accepted belief systems. Candidates may argue that the overturning of accepted belief systems happened only very slowly and depended on what part of society was being discussed. Examples of enduring superstition remained with the last example of a woman being executed for witchcraft in Europe taking place in Switzerland in 1782. Some may argue that the Church remained strong and it was not until the 18th century that these ideas became widespread during the Enlightenment. There may be some discussion of the work of key figures such as Newton, Harvey, Galileo and how it affected belief systems.
Question
“Absolutist monarchs had few limits on the exercise of their power.” With reference to two absolutist monarchs, to what extent do you agree with this statement?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of statement that absolutist monarchs had few limits on the exercise of his and/or her power. Candidates must focus on any two absolutist monarchs, from a single country at different times or from two different countries at the same or at different times. Candidates may take a comparative approach or discuss each monarch separately. Limits could be the problems of effectively controlling a large territory due to poor transport and communications. The need to raise taxes often led to compromise by absolutist monarchs. In support of the assertion, there may be reference to the Divine Right of Kings, the power that control of patronage gave, or the role of standing armies. There may be some discussion of the fact that absolutist monarchs provided stability and the extent of their power was regarded as acceptable for this reason.
Question
Evaluate the effectiveness of the foreign policy of any two absolutist monarchs.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates will make an appraisal of two monarchs, weighing up the strengths and weaknesses of their foreign policy. Effectiveness could be measured in terms of military/dynastic success or the level of national security achieved, including the acquisition of territory that strengthened the power and influence of a given state in international affairs. In some instances, (Louis XVI or Frederick
the Great, for example) it may be argued that that while their foreign policy was effective to some extent, there were also negative effects (famine, increased debt and financial and military costs). Possible absolutist monarchs for whom foreign policy was a key concern are, Peter the Great and Catherine the Great of Russia, Frederick the Great of Prussia, Charles XII of Sweden and Louis XIV of France. The chosen examples need not be from contemporaneous periods.
Question
Discuss the reasons for the growth of cities between 1650 and 1800.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
European populations suffered war, plague and famine in the first half of the 17th century. However, this pattern was reversed in the second half of the century and the population of cities grew, especially after 1700. Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for this growth: insufficient work in rural areas, which led to migration to cities, and improvements in production, which reduced the number of famines and thus stabilized populations. The decline in the number of significant plague epidemics also led to a growth in population and an increase in the size of cities. Economic activity also encouraged the movement of people to cities, for example London expanded because of overseas trade with the British Empire, especially with India. Many people migrated to the cities to take advantage of the new opportunities that were becoming available.