How accurate is it to say that the social structure of Britain was transformed in the years 1625–88? (B - 2017)

Question 1

transformed

Answer 1

 The growth of ports and shipping promoted social change by providing new employment opportunities for 10-20 per cent of the non-agricultural working population

Question 2

transformed

Answer 2

 London, and other major towns saw the rise of a small but very wealthy class of merchants e.g. the number of merchants trading increased from 34,000 in 1580 to 64,000 in 1688

Question 3

transformed

Answer 3

 The development of a consumer society in London and other large towns led to the development of a new class of small shopkeepers and traders

Question 4

transformed

Answer 4

 Religious and legal changes led to some changes in the status of women e.g. 1653 Marriages Act and greater freedom for Quaker women after 1650

Question 5

transformed

Answer 5

 The rising living standards experienced by the gentry and merchants, and the expansion of government, stimulated the growth of the professional classes.

Question 6

not transformed

Answer 6

 The traditional aristocracy and its influence in society remained largely unchanged during the years of Stuart and republican rule in the years 1625- 88 e.g. the nobles continued to possess considerable power and wealth during this period

Question 7

not transformed

Answer 7

 Although there was widespread change in agriculture, existing social structures in England remained largely intact in rural areas

Question 8

not transformed

Answer 8

 Foreign migration to the cloth towns of East Anglia (e.g. textile workers from the Low Countries settled in Norwich) did not affect local social structures

Question 9

not transformed

Answer 9

 Limited industrial and trading developments in Ireland and Scotland left their predominantly rural social structures largely intact.