Home / IB DP History / IBDP History HL Paper 3 – Enlightenment and Absolutism (1600–1800)- Exam-Style Questions
“Enlightenment ideas had very little impact on politics.” Discuss with reference to two of the following: Germany, England, Scotland, France, Spain, the Dutch Republic or Italy. \([15]\)
Detailed solution
Enlightenment ideas had a significant political impact in many European states, although the pace and extent of change varied.
Over time, Enlightenment thought contributed to a reduction in clerical influence over government and political life. It encouraged criticism of established authority.
Ideas of individual liberty and social equality could bring major political change, particularly in France. An increasingly educated bourgeoisie also demanded a greater role in politics.
In some countries, however, change was gradual. Enlightened despots such as Frederick II introduced reforms and made government more efficient while retaining full political authority.
Therefore, Enlightenment ideas did not always create immediate democracy, but they had an important impact by changing political expectations, encouraging reform and challenging absolute rule.
To what extent was there significant agricultural change during the Enlightenment? \([15]\)
Detailed solution
There was significant agricultural change during the Enlightenment in some parts of Europe, although it was uneven and limited in much of the continent.
More mechanized methods of farming were gradually introduced, including innovations associated with Jethro Tull. New crops and livestock-breeding methods also improved agricultural production.
Enclosure consolidated separate plots and common land into larger farms. This could make farming more efficient and productive.
However, these changes were largely concentrated in England and, to a lesser extent, Scotland. Belgium and Holland were also exceptions because local conditions encouraged innovation.
Most of Europe did not modernize agriculture substantially until the mid-to-late nineteenth century. Therefore, agricultural change was significant where it occurred, but it was not widespread across Europe during the Enlightenment.