Which of the following accurately compares the economic impacts of the Great Depression in Northern Rhodesia and Burma? (1 point)
Responses
Both colonies’ exports and wages decreased.
Both colonies’ exports and wages decreased.
Widespread rioting and revolts broke out in both colonies.
Widespread rioting and revolts broke out in both colonies.
Taxes decreased in both colonies.
Taxes decreased in both colonies.
Both colonies’ exports decreased and local Burmese residents began to purchase cheap land.
The most accurate statement that compares the economic impacts of the Great Depression in Northern Rhodesia (present-day Zambia) and Burma (Myanmar) would likely be that "Both colonies’ exports and wages decreased."
During the Great Depression, global demand for primary commodities fell significantly, leading to a drop in prices for these goods. Northern Rhodesia's economy was heavily reliant on mining, particularly copper, while Burma was a major rice exporter. Falling commodity prices would have directly resulted in decreased export revenues for both colonies. Furthermore, economic downturns often lead to wage reductions as a result of lower profits and cost-cutting measures by employers.
The other statements are not as accurate when comparing the economic impacts:
- The second statement regarding widespread rioting and revolts is not specific enough and lacks context; while there might have been social upheaval due to the economic crisis, it is not clear that rioting and revolts occurred in both colonies specifically because of the Great Depression.
- The third statement that taxes decreased in both colonies is unlikely as a response to the Great Depression. Typically, colonial governments would be more inclined to maintain or increase taxes to offset declining revenues from trade.
- The fourth statement about both colonies' exports decreasing and local Burmese residents beginning to purchase cheap land is partially correct in that exports likely decreased. However, the latter part of the statement pertains specifically to Burma and does not offer a comparison applicable to Northern Rhodesia. While it may have been possible that some local Burmese residents could take advantage of lower land prices, this phenomenon would not be a direct comparison with the economic situation in Northern Rhodesia.
Therefore, the statement that "Both colonies’ exports and wages decreased" is the most generally accurate comparison of the economic impacts between Northern Rhodesia and Burma during the Great Depression.