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Which type of primary source is most commonly used to study eighteenth‑century political formations?

hard MCQ 2 marks Class 7 · History · Eighteenth-Century Political Formations
  1. Personal diaries of merchants
  2. Official treaties and diplomatic correspondence
  3. Folk songs
  4. Contemporary newspaper reports
Answer
Official treaties and diplomatic correspondence

The correct answer is Official treaties and diplomatic correspondence — Conclude that official treaties and diplomatic correspondence provide the most accurate evidence of political formations.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Recall that primary sources are original documents created during the period under study.
  2. Identify the main categories: diaries, treaties, folk songs, newspapers, etc.
  3. Recognize that treaties and diplomatic correspondence directly record political negotiations, alliances, and decisions between states.
  4. Note that diaries and folk songs reflect personal or cultural views, not formal political structures.
  5. Understand that newspapers of the time were limited in reach and often biased, making them less reliable for structural analysis.
  6. Conclude that official treaties and diplomatic correspondence provide the most accurate evidence of political formations.
Common mistake: Assuming diaries give equal weight to state decisions

Concept tested: Primary sources for political history

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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