History 2 Examination Answers
Series 2 - Comprehensive Solutions
Instructions: This paper consists of seven (7) questions. Answer a total of five (5) questions. Question number one (1) is compulsory. Write your examination number on every page of your answer sheet provided.
History 2 - Series 02 Questions and Answers
1
Characterize capitalism in its first stage. Give six points
- Mercantile capitalism dominated the economic system, focusing on trade and commerce rather than industrial production.
- The period featured primitive accumulation of capital through colonial exploitation, slave trade, and enclosure movements.
- Guild systems controlled production, with master craftsmen training apprentices in specialized trades.
- Production relied on manual labor and simple tools rather than mechanized processes.
- The commercial revolution saw the growth of banking, insurance, and joint-stock companies to facilitate trade.
- Governments practiced mercantilism, implementing policies to maximize national wealth through trade surpluses and colonial exploitation.
Note: Early capitalism (16th-18th centuries) laid the foundation for industrial capitalism by accumulating capital and establishing trade networks.
2
The 1848 revolutions which took place all over Europe enhanced the new forces of changes like liberalism, nationalism, socialism and republicanism. Give out six things they share in common
- All opposed absolute monarchy and sought to limit or eliminate aristocratic privilege in government.
- They demanded constitutional governments with representative institutions and separation of powers.
- Each movement advocated for civil liberties including freedom of speech, press, and assembly.
- They emerged in response to economic hardships including food shortages, unemployment, and industrialization's dislocations.
- All were influenced by Enlightenment ideas about natural rights, popular sovereignty, and social contract theory.
- These movements were primarily urban-based, led by middle-class intellectuals with support from workers and students.
3
Elaborate six aftermath of the Industrial Capitalism on Africa
- Colonial exploitation intensified as Africa became a source of raw materials (rubber, cotton, minerals) for European industries.
- Traditional economies collapsed as local crafts and industries couldn't compete with cheap manufactured imports.
- Infrastructure development (railways, ports) focused solely on resource extraction rather than integrated development.
- Cash crop agriculture replaced subsistence farming, making colonies dependent on global market fluctuations.
- Forced labor systems like the Congo Free State's rubber collection caused widespread suffering.
- New social classes emerged including wage laborers, colonial bureaucrats, and Western-educated elites.
Impact: Industrial capitalism transformed Africa's economic structures to serve European needs, creating dependencies that persisted after independence.
4
What made Japan abandoned Democracy and opted for the Totalitarianism during the inter war period. Give six arguments.
- The Great Depression devastated Japan's export-dependent economy, discrediting liberal economic policies.
- Military factions gained influence, assassinating moderate politicians (e.g., May 15 Incident 1932).
- Ultra-nationalist ideology promoted emperor worship and Japan's divine mission in Asia.
- Party politics failed due to corruption scandals and inability to address economic crises.
- The desire for resource security through imperial expansion (Manchuria 1931) required centralized control.
- Successful fascist models in Germany and Italy inspired Japanese militarists.
5
The adoption of socialism in Africa in 1960s and 1970s were nothing but share transition to underdevelopment. Comment.
- State-run enterprises became inefficient due to corruption, mismanagement, and lack of competition.
- Policies discouraged private investment, both domestic and foreign, stifling economic growth.
- Resource misallocation occurred as governments prioritized political projects over economic viability.
- Many countries became dependent on foreign aid rather than developing self-sustaining economies.
- Agricultural production declined due to poorly implemented collectivization schemes.
- Socialist rhetoric often masked authoritarian rule, suppressing dissent and innovation.
Counterpoint: Some argue socialism provided important social services and national unity in early post-colonial periods.
6
A great boom of the 1920s enjoyed by USA was direct impact of number of factors. Show any eight factors
- Mass production techniques (Fordism) dramatically increased industrial output and lowered costs.
- Consumer credit expansion enabled installment buying of cars, appliances, and homes.
- New industries like automobiles, electronics, and chemicals drove economic growth.
- Technological innovations (assembly lines, electrical appliances) boosted productivity.
- Pro-business government policies (tax cuts, deregulation) encouraged investment.
- Modern advertising created consumer demand for new products.
- Post-WWI economic dominance as Europe recovered from war damage.
- Stock market speculation created paper wealth and investment capital.
7
Though having harsh conditions, the third world countries accepted Structural Adjustment Programme. Why? (six points)
- Debt crises left no alternative sources of international financing.
- IMF/World Bank made SAPs mandatory conditions for debt restructuring and new loans.
- Western-educated technocratic elites believed in free market solutions.
- Governments hoped for long-term stability despite short-term pain.
- Some leaders used SAPs to push unpopular reforms they wanted anyway.
- Geopolitical pressures during Cold War left few alternatives.
Outcome: SAPs often led to austerity measures, reduced social spending, and privatization of state enterprises.
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