History

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This subtopic examines the ideological, political, and military tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union that emerged after World War II and escalated into the Cold War. It evaluates key events such as the Yalta and Potsdam conferences, the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, the Berlin Blockade, and the formation of NATO and the Warsaw Pact. Understanding these origins is crucial for analysing how superpower rivalry shaped global politics and led to subsequent crises.

E2E stub subtopic

The Age of the Crusades, c1071–1204

The Age of the Crusades, c1071–1204, is a breadth study examining the origins, development, and impact of the Crusades. It covers the rise of the Seljuk Turks, the Byzantine Empire's decline, the establishment of the Crusader states (Outremer), the role of military orders, the revival of Islam under leaders like Zengi and Saladin, and the impact of the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Crusades on the Muslim Near East, the Byzantine Empire, and the Latin West.

Spain in the Age of Discovery, 1469–1598 (A-level only)

This breadth study examines the political, economic, social, and religious developments in Spain during the Age of Discovery, covering the establishment of the 'New Monarchy' under Ferdinand and Isabella, the expansion of the Spanish Empire under Charles I, and the reign of Philip II, focusing on Spain's rise to and maintenance of 'Great Power' status.

The Tudors: England, 1485–1603

The Tudors: England, 1485–1603, is a breadth study covering the consolidation and development of the Tudor dynasty. It examines the effectiveness of Tudor monarchs in restoring royal authority, the nature of government, foreign policy, succession, social and economic change, and religious and intellectual developments.

Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603–1702

Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603–1702, covers the political, religious, and social developments in Britain during the 17th century. It examines the challenges to royal authority, the causes and consequences of the English Civil War, the nature of the Republic, the Restoration, and the eventual establishment of a constitutional monarchy following the Glorious Revolution.

Russia in the Age of Absolutism and Enlightenment, 1682–1796 (A-level only)

This option covers the development of Russia from the traditional, Slav society of 1682 under Peter the Great through to the Enlightenment-era reforms and expansion under Catherine the Great, ending in 1796. It examines the establishment of autocracy, the impact of Westernisation, the role of the nobility and serfdom, and the expansion of the Russian Empire.

Industrialisation and the people: Britain, c1783–1885

This breadth study examines the impact of industrialisation on the people of Britain between 1783 and 1885. It covers political, economic, and social developments, focusing on the changing nature of governance, the rise of democracy, the impact of industrial change, and the evolution of social policy and working-class movements.

Challenge and transformation: Britain, c1851–1964

This breadth study covers the transformation of Britain from the mid-Victorian era to the mid-1960s, focusing on political, economic, and social developments, the evolution of democracy, the role of ideologies, and the changing relationship with Ireland.

Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964

This breadth study covers the political, social, and economic development of Russia from the late Tsarist period through to the end of the Khrushchev era. It examines the nature of autocracy, the rise of opposition, the impact of war, and the transition from Tsarist rule to the establishment and consolidation of the Communist dictatorship.

The British Empire, c1857–1967

This option explores the development, expansion, and eventual contraction of the British Empire from 1857 to 1967. It examines the motivations for imperial growth, the influence of economic factors, the role of key individuals, the impact on indigenous peoples, and the shifting attitudes towards empire in Britain, culminating in the process of decolonisation.

The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975

This breadth study covers the development of the USA from the end of the Civil War in 1865 to 1975, focusing on political, economic, social, and international changes, the role of government, and the evolution of the USA as a global superpower.

The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991

This breadth study examines the quest for political stability in Germany from the unification of the Empire in 1871 to the reunification of the country in 1991. It covers the political, economic, social, and cultural developments across the Kaiserreich, the Weimar Republic, the Nazi era, the division of Germany, and the Federal Republic of Germany.

Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216

This depth study examines the period of turbulence in British history from 1154 to 1216, focusing on the Angevin kings. It explores the nature of royal authority, the relationship between Church, State, and the baronage, and concepts such as dynastic ambition, rebellion, territorial integrity, and the development of the state.

The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499

This depth study examines the period of the Wars of the Roses (1450–1499), focusing on the instability of the English monarchy, political, economic, and social pressures, and the impact of dynastic conflict on the state and the common people.

The Reformation in Europe, c1500–1564 (A-level only)

This depth study examines the Reformation in Europe from c1500 to 1564, focusing on the challenges to the Catholic Church, the emergence of Protestant orders (Lutheranism, Calvinism, Zwinglism), and the spiritual regeneration within the Catholic Church. It explores the relationship between religious and political authority, the role of key individuals, and the impact of religious ideas on society.

Religious conflict and the Church in England, c1529–c1570

This depth study examines the major religious and political changes in England from 1529 to 1570, focusing on the break with Rome, the establishment of the Church of England, and the subsequent religious conflicts and settlements under Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I.

The English Revolution, 1625–1660

The English Revolution, 1625–1660, covers the political, religious, and social challenges faced by authority in Britain. It examines the breakdown of consensus under Charles I, the outbreak of the Civil War, the execution of the King, the subsequent experiments in republican government, and the eventual Restoration of the monarchy.

The Sun King: Louis XIV, France and Europe, 1643–1715 (A-level only)

This depth study examines the reign of Louis XIV (1643–1715), focusing on the development of French absolutism, the centralisation of royal authority, the role of Versailles, and the impact of French foreign policy on Europe. It covers the Regency, the establishment of personal rule, economic and religious policies, and the challenges faced by France in the latter part of the reign, including the Nine Years War and the War of the Spanish Succession.

The Birth of the USA, 1760–1801

This depth study covers the period 1760–1801, focusing on the origins of the American Revolution, the War of Independence, and the subsequent establishment of the new Republic, including the drafting of the Constitution and the presidencies of Washington and Adams.

France in Revolution, 1774–1815 (A-level only)

This depth study examines the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era, covering the collapse of the Ancien Régime, the radicalisation of the revolution, the rise of Napoleon, and his impact on France and Europe up to 1815.

America: A Nation Divided, c1845–1877

This depth study examines the period of major change in American history from 1845 to 1877, focusing on the disintegration of the Union into Civil War and the subsequent challenges of Reconstruction.

International Relations and Global Conflict, c1890–1941 (A-level only)

This depth study examines the period of international relations and global conflict from 1890 to 1941, focusing on the causes of major wars, the failure of international diplomacy, and the shifting balance of power among the Great Powers.

Italy and Fascism, c1900–1945

This depth study examines the transition of Italy from a liberal state to a Fascist dictatorship under Mussolini, covering the period c1900–1945. It explores the collapse of the liberal order, the rise of Fascism, the consolidation of the regime, its social and foreign policies, and its eventual collapse during the Second World War.

Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition, 1906–1957

This depth study examines the transformation of Britain between 1906 and 1957, focusing on the challenges faced by democratically elected governments, the impact of two World Wars, and the fundamental social and economic changes that led to the emergence of the welfare state and the affluent society.

Revolution and dictatorship: Russia, 1917–1953

This depth study examines the emergence and practice of communism in Russia from 1917 to 1953. It covers the Russian Revolution, the consolidation of Bolshevik power, the rise of Stalin, and the nature of the Stalinist dictatorship, including economic, social, and political transformations.

Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945

This depth study examines the collapse of the Weimar Republic and the establishment and consolidation of the Nazi dictatorship in Germany between 1918 and 1945. It covers the political, economic, and social challenges of the Weimar period, the rise of the Nazi Party, the nature of the Nazi state, racial policies, and the impact of the Second World War.

The Transformation of China, 1936–1997

This depth study examines the transformation of China from 1936 to 1997, focusing on the emergence, consolidation, and maintenance of Communist rule under Mao Zedong and the subsequent economic and state transformation under Deng Xiaoping.

The American Dream: reality and illusion, 1945–1980

This option provides for a study in depth of the challenges faced by the USA at home and abroad as it emerged from the Second World War as a Superpower. It examines the reality and illusion of the American Dream, focusing on prosperity, inequality, social change, and the USA's role in the Cold War between 1945 and 1980.

The Cold War, c1945–1991

This option provides for the study in depth of the evolving course of international relations during an era of tension between communist and capitalist powers which threatened nuclear Armageddon. It explores concepts such as communism and anti-communism, aggression and détente and also encourages students to reflect on the power of modern military technology, what hastens confrontation and what forces promote peace in the modern world.

The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–2007

The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–2007, covers the key political, economic, social, and international changes that shaped Britain in the second half of the 20th century and into the early 21st century. It examines the evolution of government, class structures, social divisions, cultural shifts, and Britain's changing global role.

The Crisis of Communism: The USSR and the Soviet Empire, 1953–2000 (A-level only)

This option provides for the study in depth of the practice and demise of Soviet Communism from 1953 to 2000. It explores the processes of de-Stalinisation, the era of stagnation, the Gorbachev revolution, and the collapse of the Soviet Union and its satellite empire, alongside the subsequent transition in Russia and Eastern Europe.

Historical Investigation (Component 3 — Non-Exam Assessment, personal study)

The Historical Investigation (Component 3) is a non-exam assessment (NEA) requiring students to independently research and write an extended essay of 3500-4500 words on a topic of their choice. The investigation must be placed in the context of approximately 100 years, must not duplicate content from Components 1 and 2, and must ensure that all three components together cover a chronological range of at least 200 years. It requires the evaluation of primary sources and the analysis of differing historical interpretations.