Civil rights and race relations in the USA, 1850–2009 - 5 Obama's campaign…

The idea

Obama's pre-2007 career explains why he could later win the presidency. Study his rise from Illinois state senator (1997–2004) to US senator, his 2004 Democratic National Convention keynote, and his Senate record to 2006. Assess importance by weighing what each stage gave him: legislative experience, a national profile, fundraising networks and credibility with white and Black voters. His 2004 Senate win, defeating Alan Keyes by a wide margin, made him only the third African American senator since Reconstruction and the sole Black senator then serving. By 2006 his voting record, speeches against the Iraq War and memoir fame had built a platform for a presidential bid. Judge importance by consequences for later national politics, not merely by fame.

What earns the marks

• Explains how Obama's Illinois Senate service (1997–2004) built legislative experience, including work on ethics and health-care legislation, giving him a record to defend nationally.
• Analyses the 2004 Democratic National Convention keynote as a turning point that created national recognition and donor interest beyond Illinois.
• Explains the 2004 Illinois Senate election: a weak Republican opponent after primary controversy, heavy fundraising and a decisive victory that made Obama a national figure.
• Assesses his US Senate record to 2006, including opposition to the Iraq War and committee work, as evidence of presidential-level credibility.
• Weighs the importance of his career to 2006 against other factors such as the political climate, civil rights legacy and Republican difficulties.
• Judges importance by consequences: name recognition, networks and perceived electability that enabled the 2007–08 campaign.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Treating the 2004 Senate win as automatic.

  Put it right: Explain the collapsed Republican candidacy and Obama's fundraising and organisation.

• Confusing the 2004 convention keynote with the Senate election.

  Put it right: Separate the two events and their different effects.

• Assuming his career alone caused later success.

  Put it right: Weigh it against wider political and social factors.

Exam tips

• Anchor each claim to a dated event between 1997 and 2006 to show secure chronology.
• Use 'importance' language: short-term profile versus long-term presidential viability.
• Plan a judgement before writing and return to it in the conclusion.