This statement raises a fundamental question about the role of historians and the nature of historical truth. While striving for a balanced account is a desirable goal, achieving it in practice is incredibly challenging. Historical narratives are often shaped by the availability of sources, the biases of those who create them, and the interpretations of historians themselves.

To answer this question effectively, a response should:

• Define what a "balanced account" of the past means.
• Provide examples where a balanced account is difficult to achieve (e.g., conflicts where one side has limited or no historical record, periods where dominant narratives have suppressed alternative perspectives).
• Discuss the challenges of representing the perspectives of marginalized groups (e.g., women, minorities, the poor).
• Consider the role of historians in critically evaluating sources and acknowledging multiple interpretations.
• Provide examples of historical events where historians have struggled to present a truly balanced account (e.g., the history of colonialism, the causes of the French Revolution).

While a completely objective and balanced account may be unattainable, historians have a responsibility to acknowledge different perspectives and to be transparent about the limitations of their own interpretations. The pursuit of a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the past is a continuous process.

This statement presents a nuanced argument about the First World War. While the war undeniably brought about significant changes in military tactics and technology, it also reinforced existing social, political, and economic structures. A thorough analysis requires examining both the transformative aspects of the war and the areas where continuity prevailed.

Changes in Warfare:

• Trench Warfare: The development of trench warfare led to a stalemate on the Western Front, resulting in unprecedented casualties and a prolonged war.
• New Technologies: The war saw the introduction of new weapons like machine guns, tanks, and poison gas, dramatically increasing the destructive power of warfare.
• Total War: The war involved the mobilization of entire societies, with governments taking greater control over the economy and civilian life.
• Naval Warfare: The war saw the rise of unrestricted submarine warfare, leading to significant losses of merchant ships and civilian lives.

Continuity in Other Aspects of Life:

• Imperialism: Imperialist ambitions remained a major driver of international relations, contributing to the outbreak of the war.
• Social Hierarchy: The existing social hierarchy, with class distinctions and inequalities, largely persisted throughout the war.
• Political Systems: The fundamental political systems in most countries (e.g., constitutional monarchies, republics) remained largely unchanged.
• Economic Structures: Capitalism as the dominant economic system continued to operate, although it was heavily influenced by government intervention during the war.

Conclusion: The First World War undeniably brought about a fundamental change in the *way* wars were fought, with new technologies and tactics transforming the battlefield. However, the underlying social, political, and economic structures of society remained largely unchanged. The war reinforced existing power dynamics and did not fundamentally alter the course of history in terms of these broader aspects of life. Therefore, the statement is largely accurate – the war brought change in warfare but continuity in other areas.

Model Answer:

This question requires a detailed assessment of how technological advancements impacted warfare during the specified period. It's not enough to simply list technologies; the answer must analyze their effects on military tactics, strategies, and the overall conduct of war. A strong answer will consider both the positive and negative consequences of these changes.

Key Technological Developments and their Impact:

• Gunpowder Weapons: Initially used in siege warfare, gunpowder weapons gradually became more powerful and portable. This led to the decline of heavily armored knights and the rise of infantry-based armies. It also revolutionized siege tactics.
• Naval Technology: Improvements in shipbuilding (e.g., galleons) and naval weaponry (cannons) transformed naval warfare. This enabled European powers to dominate the seas and establish vast colonial empires. Naval battles became decisive in many conflicts.
• Fortification: The development of stronger fortifications (e.g., star forts) made sieges more difficult and prolonged. This led to a shift in military strategy towards siege warfare and the importance of controlling key strategic locations.
• Military Organization & Tactics: New technologies necessitated changes in military organization and tactics. Standing armies became more common, and new formations (e.g., linear tactics) were developed to maximize the effectiveness of gunpowder weapons.

Extent of Change:

The development of new technologies fundamentally altered the nature of warfare. It shifted the balance of power away from heavily armored knights and towards infantry-based armies equipped with gunpowder weapons. It also transformed naval warfare and the conduct of sieges. However, the impact was not uniform. Some traditional forms of warfare persisted, and the costs of new technologies could be prohibitive for some states.

Conclusion:

The development of new technologies between 1450 and 1750 profoundly changed the nature of warfare. While some traditional aspects of warfare persisted, the introduction of gunpowder weapons, improved naval technology, and enhanced fortifications revolutionized military tactics, strategies, and the overall conduct of war. The extent of this change was significant, contributing to the rise of European powers and the reshaping of the global political landscape.