PRACTICE ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. Analyze the way the opening of the Atlantic sparked the rise of capitalism
The question requires all the applications of analysis: examining in detail, determining relationships, explaining. A special emphasis should be on determining the relationships between what appears to be remotely connected events. How could the Atlantic discoveries and colonization of the New World have encouraged the growth of capitalism in Europe. The relationships are complex but strong. Precious metals from the New World colonies of Spain, mainly, led to runaway inflation in Europe; that inflation influenced productivity and commerce, which, in turn, created wealth and the possibilities of its investment. Be sure to show the causal relationships, to describe the effects, and to define terms such as “inflation,” “surplus wealth,” “capitalism.”
2. Explain why the monarchs of Europe favored mercantilism
In this and any “explanation” essay, the task is to offer reasons for your answer: The monarchs of Europe, the question is saying, DID favor mercantilism. Approach this first by considering what mercantilism was and what it accomplished, and then by examining how that would benefit the growing nation-states and their monarchs in the 15th and 16th centuries. Money is the clue.
3. “It is no accident that the Industrial Revolution occurred in late 18th century England.”Assess the validity of this statement.
“To determine the truth: of this assertion, it is necessary to examine what fertile fields nurtured the development of industrialization in England from 1780 to 1830. You must identify the links in the causal chain: the supremacy of Parliament after 1688, the Enclosure movement, he Agricultural Revolution, the growth of towns, the improvement of technology..
4. The Industrial Revolution diminished the quality of life of the common person in Europe.” Defend or refute this statement.
Use facts to argue for or against. In this case, the prevailiing bias of our times - that industrialization subjected the masses to miserable labor and grinding poverty - may not be either accurate or easily defended. In deciding whether to defend or refute, consider: What was the quality of life for peasant farmers before industrialization? Did life in manufacturing towns offer advantages? Did the increase in productivity benefit the common person?
5. Explain how Marx’s theories offer both a reason for, and a solution to, mass poverty in the industrialized world.
In order to “make clear” and “detail,” you must understand Marx’s critique of capitalism and his theory of revolution, the social, economic, and political environment of his day (mid-19th century). And the failure of classical economics to alleviate poverty. Ths is a very tough question. The core of the answer lies in Marx’s theories: the dialectic, the class struggle, surplus-value theory, inevitable revolution, socialism, and Communism.
