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Explain two of the following: - The importance of piracy for British trade in North America - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 3
Explain two of the following: - The importance of piracy for British trade in North America. - The importance of Benjamin Franklin for cultural development in the c... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain two of the following: - The importance of piracy for British trade in North America - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
The importance of piracy for British trade in North America.
Answer
Pirates, such as Blackbeard, operated across the seas, significantly impacting British trade by threatening shipping lanes and causing terror among crews. This disruption made it difficult for the Royal Navy to ensure the protection of merchant ships entering and exiting the colonies.
Trade routes faced severe challenges, particularly as some merchant ships were captured or destroyed by pirates, leading to a reduction in the volume of trade and increased costs. This resulted in higher insurance premiums for shipping companies, making trade less profitable.
In response, the British government took measures to protect their interests, which included offering pardons and rewards for those who captured pirates. Ultimately, these actions underscored the critical role piracy played in the economic landscape of British trade in North America.
Step 2
The importance of Benjamin Franklin for cultural development in the colonies.
Answer
As a prominent figure of the Enlightenment, Benjamin Franklin influenced the colonies by promoting ideals of education and innovation. He encouraged others to engage in scientific inquiry and invention, showcasing this through his various endeavors, including the founding of the American Philosophical Society.
Franklin also contributed to the dissemination of ideas through his role as editor of the Pennsylvania Gazette, where he presented and debated significant concepts of the time, facilitating intellectual growth among colonists.
In addition, Franklin’s philanthropic efforts included education initiatives which aimed to establish institutions like the Academy of Philadelphia, paving the way for wider access to education. All these contributions solidified Franklin’s importance in shaping the cultural and intellectual landscape of the emerging American society.