Two historians are debating the primary factor determining a person's economic standing in the 16th century.

• Historian A argues: 'The most significant factor was the country of one's birth. An individual born in a commercially advanced Italian city-state had a fundamentally better chance at a prosperous life than someone born in England, regardless of their family background.'
• Historian B argues: 'The country of birth was a minor factor. The most significant determinant was one