The 'Golden Age', 1556–1598 (A-level only) common mistakes

Common mistakes

• Confusing change with continuity

  Students often fail to distinguish between changes in governance and the continuities that persisted during Philip II's reign.

  Fix itClearly identify specific changes and continuities in your answers, providing examples for each.

• Overgeneralizing the causes of rebellion

  Students often state that all rebellions were solely due to economic factors without considering political and social dimensions.

  Fix itAcknowledge the interplay of economic, political, and social factors in causing rebellions for a more nuanced understanding.

• Confusing the Jesuits with other religious orders

  Students often mix up the Jesuits with Franciscans or Dominicans, overlooking their unique focus on education and counter-reformation efforts.

  Fix itClarify the Jesuits' specific role in education and their founding principles distinct from other orders.

• Confusing inflation with economic growth

  Students often confuse the influx of wealth with overall economic health.

  Fix itClarify that while Spain experienced wealth from the Americas, it also faced significant inflation and economic challenges.

• Confusing the Inquisition with general religious practices

  Students often describe the Inquisition as a general religious practice rather than a specific institution with a defined purpose.

  Fix itClarify that the Inquisition was a formal judicial body focused on heresy, not just a reflection of religious practices.

• Overgeneralizing Spain's strengths

  Students often claim Spain was entirely powerful without acknowledging its economic weaknesses.

  Fix itAcknowledge both strengths and weaknesses, providing a balanced view of Spain's condition in 1598.