AS Unit 1: Speaking is a non-exam assessment worth 12% of the total A-level qualification. It lasts 12-15 minutes, preceded by 15 minutes of supervised preparation time. The assessment consists of two tasks: Task 1 (5-6 minutes) involves arguing a point of view based on a written stimulus card from the theme 'Understanding the French-speaking world'. Task 2 (7-9 minutes) is a discussion based on a written stimulus card from the theme 'Being a young person in French-speaking society'.
This topic examines France's traumatic experience during the Second World War, from the military defeat in 1940 through the German Occupation and the Vichy regime, to the Liberation in 1944 and the challenging post-war reconstruction. Students will explore how France's defeat led to the collapse of the Third Republic and the establishment of the authoritarian Vichy state under Marshal Pétain, which collaborated with Nazi Germany. The period also saw the rise of the French Resistance, the Free French movement led by Charles de Gaulle, and the eventual liberation by Allied forces. Understanding this era is crucial for grasping modern French identity, the legacy of collaboration, and the foundations of the Fourth Republic.
The post-war years (1944–1950) were marked by political instability, economic hardship, and the painful process of épuration (purge) of collaborators. The provisional government under de Gaulle introduced major reforms, including women's suffrage and the creation of a welfare state, but de Gaulle's resignation in 1946 reflected deep divisions. The Fourth Republic was established in 1946, but it struggled with coalition governments and the onset of the Cold War. This topic also covers France's role in the early stages of European integration and the beginning of decolonisation, notably in Indochina. By studying this period, students gain insight into how France rebuilt its democracy and international standing after one of its darkest chapters.
Within the WJEC A-Level specification, this theme forms part of the broader study of modern French history, linking to earlier themes on the Third Republic and later developments in the Fifth Republic. It requires students to analyse primary sources, evaluate historical interpretations (e.g., the 'Vichy syndrome'), and understand the interplay between political, social, and economic factors. Mastery of this topic is essential for exam success, as it frequently appears in essay questions and source-based exercises.
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