The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975

This topic explores the transformation of the United States from a divided, post-Civil War nation into a global superpower by 1975. It covers key political, economic, social, and military developments, including westward expansion, industrialisation, the Great Depression, the New Deal, the Cold War, and the civil rights movement. Understanding this period is crucial for grasping how the USA emerged as a dominant force in world affairs, shaping modern international relations and domestic policies.

The period 1865–1975 saw the USA undergo rapid change: from Reconstruction after the Civil War, through the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, to the Great Depression and New Deal, then World War II and the Cold War. Students must analyse the interplay between domestic and foreign policies, the role of key individuals (e.g., Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy), and the impact of social movements. This topic also requires evaluation of historiographical debates, such as the extent of continuity versus change, and the nature of American exceptionalism.

Mastering this topic is essential for AQA A-Level History, as it forms a substantial component of the 'Making of a Superpower' breadth study. It tests students' ability to analyse change over time, assess causation, and evaluate interpretations. The skills developed here—critical thinking, source analysis, and structured argument—are directly applicable to other historical periods and to essay-based exams.