History

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This subtopic delves into the pivotal crises of the Cold War between 1958 and 1970, examining the ideological, political, and military tensions between the superpowers and their respective alliances. Students explore key events such as the Berlin Wall, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Prague Spring, analysing how these flashpoints shaped international relations and influenced subsequent diplomatic strategies. The focus is on understanding the interplay of factors that heightened or diminished Cold War tensions and evaluating the roles of key personalities like Kennedy, Khrushchev, and Brezhnev.

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Subject content

The AQA GCSE History (8145) specification is a linear course consisting of two papers: Paper 1 (Understanding the modern world) and Paper 2 (Shaping the nation). It requires the study of one period study, one thematic study, one wider world depth study, and one British depth study (which includes a historic environment study). The course covers three eras (Medieval, Early Modern, Modern), three timescales (short, medium, long), and three geographical contexts (locality, British, European/wider world).

Rationale

The Rationale section outlines the design principles of the AQA GCSE History specification, focusing on ensuring a broad, comparable, and coherent course of study. It details the structure of the two papers (Paper 1: Understanding the modern world and Paper 2: Shaping the nation), the balance of elements (period studies, thematic studies, and depth studies), and the pedagogical approach to developing historical skills, knowledge, and understanding of second-order concepts.

Paper 1: Understanding the modern world

Paper 1: Understanding the modern world consists of two sections: Section A (Period studies) and Section B (Wider world depth studies). Section A focuses on the domestic history of one country over a period of at least 50 years, examining two substantial and related developments. Section B focuses on international conflict and tension, investigating complex historical situations and the interplay of different aspects within them.

Paper 2: Shaping the nation

Paper 2: Shaping the nation focuses on the history of Britain, requiring a minimum of 40% British history content. It consists of two sections: Section A (Thematic studies) which examines change and continuity across a long sweep of history (c1000 to present), and Section B (British depth studies) which focuses on a specific time and people, incorporating the study of a historic environment.

Understanding the modern world

Section 3.2, 'Understanding the modern world', comprises two components: Period Studies (Section A) and Wider World Depth Studies (Section B). Period studies focus on the domestic history of one country over at least 50 years, examining political, social, economic, and cultural developments. Wider world depth studies focus on international conflict and tension, exploring the causes, nature, and consequences of specific global conflicts and the role of key individuals and groups.

Section A: Period studies

Section A: Period studies focuses on the development of a country over a substantial and coherent medium time span of at least 50 years. Students study an unfolding narrative of two substantial and related developments, examining their impact on people through political, social, cultural, and economic perspectives, as well as the role of ideas and key individuals. The assessment requires students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, apply second-order concepts (causation, consequence, change), and evaluate interpretations.

America, 1840–1895: Expansion and consolidation

This period study focuses on the development of America between 1840 and 1895, a period of expansion to the west and the consolidation of the United States as a nation. It covers the political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of these developments, the role of ideas, and the impact on key individuals and groups.

Expansion: opportunities and challenges

This section covers the expansion of the United States between 1840 and 1895, focusing on the geographical, social, and cultural aspects of westward expansion, the motivations and challenges faced by settlers, and the evolving relationship between the American government and the Plains Indians.

Consolidation: forging the nation

This section covers the consolidation of the United States as a nation following the American Civil War, focusing on the political, social, and economic developments between 1866 and 1895, including Reconstruction, westward expansion, and the resolution of the 'Indian problem'.

Conflict across America

This section covers the period of conflict across America between 1862 and 1877, focusing on the escalation of violence on the Plains, the causes and impact of the American Civil War, and the resolution of conflicts involving the Mormons.

Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and dictatorship

This period study focuses on the development of Germany during a turbulent half century of change (1890–1945), covering the development and collapse of democracy and the rise and fall of Nazism. It examines political, economic, social, and cultural aspects, the role of ideas, and the impact of key individuals and groups.

Germany and the growth of democracy

This period study focuses on the development of Germany between 1890 and 1945, covering the growth and collapse of democracy and the rise and fall of Nazism. It examines political, economic, social, and cultural aspects, the role of ideas, and the impact of key individuals and groups.

The experiences of Germans under the Nazis

This topic examines the experiences of the German people under Nazi rule, covering economic changes, social policies, and methods of control, including propaganda, the police state, and the nature of opposition and resistance.

Germany and the Depression

This topic covers the impact of the Great Depression on Germany (1928–1932), the subsequent collapse of the Weimar democracy, and the political maneuvers that led to Hitler's appointment as Chancellor and the establishment of his dictatorship.

Russia, 1894–1945: Tsardom and communism

This period study focuses on the development of Russia during a turbulent half century of change (1894–1945), covering the transition from Tsardom to communism. It examines political, economic, social, and cultural aspects, the role of ideas, and the impact of key individuals and groups.

The end of Tsardom

This section covers the end of the Tsarist regime in Russia, focusing on the socio-economic conditions, the nature of Nicholas II's autocracy, the impact of the First World War, and the eventual collapse of the Romanov dynasty.

Stalin's USSR

This period study focuses on the development of the USSR under Stalin, covering the power struggle after Lenin, the consolidation of power, the implementation of the Terror and Purges, the modernisation of the economy through collectivisation and the Five Year Plans, and the impact of the Second World War up to 1945.

Lenin's new society

This topic covers the consolidation of Bolshevik power in Russia following the October/November Revolution, focusing on the transition from the Provisional Government to Lenin's dictatorship, the impact of the Civil War, and the implementation of early economic and social policies including War Communism and the New Economic Policy (NEP).

America, 1920–1973: Opportunity and inequality

This period study focuses on the development of the USA between 1920 and 1973, a period of opportunity and inequality where some Americans lived the 'American Dream' while others faced poverty, discrimination, and prejudice. It covers political, economic, social, and cultural aspects, the role of ideas, and the impact of key individuals and groups.

American people and the 'Boom'

This topic covers the economic, social, and cultural developments in the USA during the 1920s, focusing on the 'Boom', the consumer society, and the emergence of a divided society.

Post-war America

This period study focuses on the development of the USA during a turbulent half century of change (1920–1973). It examines the contrast between the 'American Dream' and the realities of poverty, discrimination, and prejudice, covering political, economic, social, and cultural developments, and the role of key individuals and groups.

Bust – Americans' experiences of the Depression and New Deal

This topic examines the experiences of the American people during the Great Depression and the implementation of the New Deal, focusing on the social and economic impact of the Depression, the political response under Hoover and Roosevelt, and the effectiveness of New Deal policies.

Section B: Wider world depth studies

Section B: Wider world depth studies focuses on international conflict and tension. Students choose one of five options: The First World War (1894–1918), The inter-war years (1918–1939), Conflict and tension between East and West (1945–1972), Conflict and tension in Asia (1950–1975), or Conflict and tension in the Gulf and Afghanistan (1990–2009). The study requires a focus on complex historical situations, the interplay of different aspects, the role of key individuals and groups, and how they were affected by and influenced international relations.

Conflict and tension: the First World War, 1894–1918

This wider world depth study examines the causes, nature, and conclusion of the First World War (1894–1918). It focuses on the complex interests of the Great Powers, the development of the alliance system, the failure of diplomacy, the nature of trench warfare, and the factors leading to the war's conclusion, including the role of key individuals and groups.

The causes of the First World War

This section examines the complex causes of the First World War, focusing on the alliance system, Anglo-German rivalry, and the immediate events leading to the outbreak of war in 1914.

Ending the war

This topic focuses on the conclusion of the First World War, examining the impact of the Bolshevik Revolution, the entry of the USA, military developments in 1918, and the factors leading to Germany's surrender.

The First World War: stalemate

This topic covers the nature of the First World War on the Western Front, focusing on the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, the development of trench warfare, the war of attrition, and key battles including Verdun, the Somme, and Passchendaele.

Conflict and tension: the inter-war years, 1918–1939

This wider world depth study examines the inter-war years (1918–1939), focusing on the complex interests of states and individuals, the challenges of the peace settlement, and the causes of the Second World War. It covers the formation and failure of the League of Nations, the rise of international tension, and the diplomatic failures leading to the outbreak of war in 1939.

Peacemaking

This topic covers the peacemaking process following the First World War, focusing on the aims of the peacemakers, the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, and the subsequent impact and reactions to the settlement.

The origins and outbreak of the Second World War

This section focuses on the origins and outbreak of the Second World War, examining the development of tension through Hitler's aims, Allied reactions, the escalation of tension in Europe, and the final breakdown of peace leading to the invasion of Poland in September 1939.

The League of Nations and international peace

This topic examines the formation, structure, and effectiveness of the League of Nations in the inter-war period, including its successes and failures in maintaining international peace, the impact of the Great Depression, and the crises in Manchuria and Abyssinia that led to its collapse.

Conflict and tension between East and West, 1945–1972

This wider world depth study examines the complex interests of states and individuals during the Cold War (1945–1972). It focuses on the causes, events, and difficulties in resolving tensions, including the role of ideologies, revolutionary movements, and key individuals in shaping international relations.

The origins of the Cold War

This topic covers the origins of the Cold War, focusing on the end of the Second World War, the division of Germany, the contrasting ideologies of the USA and USSR, and the development of East-West rivalry through key policies and events.

Transformation of the Cold War

This section focuses on the transformation of the Cold War between 1961 and 1972, covering the construction of the Berlin Wall, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Prague Spring in Czechoslovakia, and the move towards Détente and SALT 1.

The development of the Cold War

This wider world depth study explores the origins, development, and transformation of the Cold War between 1945 and 1972. It examines the complex interests, ideologies, and revolutionary movements of the USA and USSR, focusing on how and why conflict occurred, the difficulty of resolving tensions, and the roles of key individuals and groups in shaping international relations.

Conflict and tension in Asia, 1950–1975

This wider world depth study examines the causes, nature, and conclusion of conflicts in Asia between 1950 and 1975, specifically focusing on the Korean War and the Vietnam War. It explores the role of nationalist movements, the influence of Cold War ideologies, the involvement of superpowers and international bodies, and the impact of these conflicts on international relations and the individuals involved.

Conflict in Korea

This study focuses on the causes, development, and conclusion of the Korean War (1950–1975), examining the role of nationalism, the division of Korea, the involvement of the US and UN, the intervention of China, and the impact of the conflict on international relations.

The ending of conflict in Vietnam

This topic covers the final stages of the Vietnam War, focusing on Nixon's policies, the escalation of opposition to the war, and the eventual conclusion of the conflict in 1975.

Escalation of conflict in Vietnam

This topic covers the escalation of the conflict in Vietnam between 1954 and 1975, focusing on the end of French colonial rule, the increase in US involvement, and the impact of the war on both the Vietnamese and American populations.

Conflict and tension in the Gulf and Afghanistan, 1990–2009

This wider world depth study examines the complex and diverse interests of different groups, nations, and rogue states in the Gulf and Afghanistan between 1990 and 2009. It focuses on the causes, nature, and resolution of conflicts, including the Gulf War, the war on Al-Qaeda, and the Iraq War, while considering the roles of key individuals and groups in shaping international relations.

Tensions in the Gulf

This topic examines the regional instability in the Gulf following the Iran-Iraq war, the causes and consequences of the 1990 Gulf War, and the role of Western and Russian interests in the region.

The Iraq War

This study focuses on the Iraq War (2003) within the context of the wider Gulf and Afghanistan conflicts (1990-2009). It examines the causes of the invasion, the military campaign, the downfall of Saddam Hussein, and the subsequent impact on Iraq and the global community.

The war on Al-Qaeda

This topic examines the war on Al-Qaeda, focusing on the aims of Al-Qaeda, the role of Osama bin Laden, the 11 September attacks, the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, and the subsequent US/UK intervention, including the overthrow of the Taliban and the challenges faced by the Karzai government.

Shaping the nation

Shaping the nation (Paper 2) focuses on the history of Britain, covering thematic studies and British depth studies. It requires students to understand key events, people, and developments that have shaped the nation, including the study of a specific historic environment within the depth study.

Section A: Thematic studies

This thematic study examines the development of medicine and public health in Britain from c1000 to the present day. It explores the causes, scale, nature, and consequences of medical developments, their impact on British society, and how they relate to key historical factors including war, religion, government, communication, science, technology, and the role of individuals.

Britain: Health and the people: c1000 to the present day

A thematic study of the development of medicine and public health in Britain from c1000 to the present day. It examines the causes, scale, nature, and consequences of medical developments, the impact on society, and the role of factors such as war, religion, government, communication, science, and individuals.

Modern medicine

Part four of the thematic study 'Britain: Health and the people: c1000 to the present day' focuses on the evolution of modern medicine, public health, and surgical advancements from the early 20th century to the 21st century.

Medicine stands still

This section covers the state of medicine in the Middle Ages, focusing on the limited progress made due to prevailing beliefs, the role of the Church, and the nature of public health in medieval towns and monasteries, including the impact of the Black Death.

A revolution in medicine

This section covers the revolution in medicine during the 19th and 20th centuries, focusing on the development of Germ Theory, advancements in surgery, and improvements in public health in Britain.

The beginnings of change

This section covers the impact of the Renaissance on medicine in Britain, including challenges to traditional medical authority, developments in anatomy and surgery, and the work of key individuals. It also examines methods of treating and preventing disease, the growth of hospitals, and changes to the medical profession.

Britain: Migration, empires and the people: c790 to the present day

A thematic study of how the identity of the people of Britain has been shaped by their interaction with the wider world from c790 to the present day, covering invasions, conquests, the acquisition and retreat of Empire, and the ebb and flow of migration.

Britain in the 20th century

This thematic study examines the development of Britain in the 20th century, focusing on the end of Empire, the legacy of Empire, and Britain's relationship with Europe and the wider world.

Conquered and conquerors

This section covers the early history of migration, conquest, and settlement in Britain from c790, focusing on the Viking and Anglo-Saxon period, the Norman Conquest, the Angevin Empire, and the development of English identity through the Hundred Years' War.

Expansion and empire

This thematic study explores the development of Britain's identity through its interaction with the wider world from c790 to the present day. It covers the history of migration, the acquisition and loss of empire, and the impact of these processes on both the British people and the wider world.

Looking west

This thematic study explores the history of migration, empires, and the people of Britain from c790 to the present day. It focuses on the interaction between Britain and the wider world, including invasions, conquests, the development and retreat of empire, and the ebb and flow of peoples into and out of Britain.

Britain: Power and the people: c1170 to the present day

This thematic study examines the development of the relationship between the citizen and the state in Britain from c1170 to the present day. It explores how the state has responded to challenges to its authority, the evolution of rights and responsibilities, and the journey from feudalism to democracy.

Equality and rights

This thematic study explores the development of the relationship between the citizen and the state in Britain from c1170 to the present day, focusing on the evolution of rights, the nature of protest, and the state's response to challenges to its authority.

Challenging authority and feudalism

This section covers the development of the relationship between the citizen and the state in Britain from c1170 to the present day, specifically focusing on the origins of challenges to authority and the feudal system.

Reform and reformers

This section of the 'Britain: Power and the people' thematic study focuses on the period of reform and reformers in Britain, covering the extension of the franchise, radical protest, campaigning groups, and the development of workers' movements.

Challenging royal authority

This section examines the challenges to royal authority in Britain from the 16th to the 18th century, focusing on popular uprisings, the English Revolution, and the American Revolution, and how the state responded to these challenges.

Section B: British depth studies

Section B: British depth studies focuses on a substantial and coherent short time span of British history, incorporating the study of a specific historic environment. Students study one of four options: Norman England (c1066–c1100), Medieval England (reign of Edward I, 1272–1307), Elizabethan England (c1568–1603), or Restoration England (1660–1685). The study examines the complexity of society and the interplay of different aspects (economic, religious, political, social, cultural) and the relationship between a specific historic site and the historical events of the period.

Norman England, c1066–c1100

This depth study focuses on the arrival of the Normans and the establishment of their rule in England between c1066 and c1100, examining the economic, religious, political, social, and cultural aspects of this period, including contemporary and historical controversies.

The historic environment of Norman England

This study focuses on the historic environment of Norman England, specifically examining the relationship between a designated site and the broader historical context of the Norman Conquest and the establishment of Norman rule (c1066–c1100). It requires students to analyze how specific sites reflect the culture, values, and governance of the period, and how they connect to key developments such as castle building, church reform, and societal changes.

The Normans: conquest and control

This topic focuses on the arrival of the Normans and the establishment of their rule in England, covering the causes of the conquest, military aspects, and methods used to maintain control.

The Norman Church and monasticism

This topic focuses on the Norman Church and monasticism in England between c1066 and c1100, examining the state of the Anglo-Saxon Church before the conquest, the reforms introduced by Archbishop Lanfranc, and the development of church organization, cathedrals, and monastic life under Norman rule.

Life under the Normans

This depth study focuses on the social, economic, political, and cultural aspects of life in England under Norman rule from c1066 to c1100, including the establishment of feudalism, the role of the Church, and the impact of Norman governance on the population.

Medieval England: the reign of Edward I, 1272–1307

This depth study focuses on the reign of Edward I (1272–1307), examining the major political, social, economic, and religious developments of the period, including the evolution of government, the legal system, trade, and his military campaigns in Wales and Scotland.

The historic environment of Medieval England

This study focuses on the historic environment of Medieval England during the reign of Edward I (1272–1307). It requires students to examine a specific site in its historical context, exploring the relationship between the place and the historical events and developments of the period. The study emphasizes the use of second-order concepts such as change, continuity, causation, and consequence in relation to the site.

Government, the rights of King and people

This depth study focuses on the reign of Edward I (1272–1307), examining the development of government, the relationship between the King and his subjects, and the major political, social, and military events of the period.

Edward I's military campaigns in Wales and Scotland

This topic covers Edward I's military campaigns in Wales and Scotland, focusing on the nature of medieval warfare, the conquest and colonisation of Wales, and the conflict with Scotland including the Scottish Wars of Independence.

Life in Medieval England

This depth study focuses on the reign of Edward I (1272–1307), examining the major political, social, economic, and religious developments of the period, including the evolution of government, the legal system, and military campaigns in Wales and Scotland.

Elizabethan England, c1568–1603

This depth study focuses on the final 35 years of Elizabeth I's reign (c1568–1603), examining the political, religious, social, and cultural challenges of the period, including the role of the court, the threat of Mary Queen of Scots, conflict with Spain, and the historic environment.

The historic environment of Elizabethan England

The historic environment of Elizabethan England focuses on the study of a specific site in its historical context, examining the relationship between a place and the historical events and developments of the period c1568–1603. It requires students to understand how the site reflects the culture, values, and fashions of the time, and how it connects to broader themes such as Elizabethan buildings, trade, revolts, and battles.

Elizabeth's court and Parliament

This topic covers the court and parliamentary life during the final 35 years of Elizabeth I's reign, focusing on her character, the challenges of female rule, patronage, and the evolving relationship between the Queen and Parliament, including the issue of succession.

Troubles at home and abroad

This section focuses on the religious, political, and international challenges faced by Elizabeth I during the final 35 years of her reign, including the threat of Catholicism, the role of Mary Queen of Scots, and the conflict with Spain.

Life in Elizabethan times

This depth study focuses on the last 35 years of Elizabeth I's reign (c1568–1603), examining major events from economic, religious, political, social, and cultural perspectives, including the role of the historic environment.

Restoration England, 1660–1685

Restoration England, 1660–1685, focuses on the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II, examining political, religious, social, and cultural developments, including the legacy of the Civil War, court life, major crises like the Great Plague and Fire of London, and the expansion of trade and naval power.

The historic environment of Restoration England

This depth study focuses on the restoration of the monarchy in England between 1660 and 1685, examining the reign of Charles II through political, religious, social, and cultural lenses, including the historic environment of the period.

Crown, Parliament, plots and court life

This topic focuses on the political and social landscape of Restoration England (1660–1685), specifically examining the challenges faced by the monarchy, the role of Parliament, the impact of religious and political plots, and the nature of court life under Charles II.

Land, trade and war

This depth study focuses on the restoration of the monarchy in England between 1660 and 1685, examining the reign of Charles II through political, religious, social, and economic lenses, including the role of the historic environment.

Life in Restoration England

This depth study focuses on the restoration of the monarchy in England between 1660 and 1685, examining the reign of Charles II through political, religious, social, and cultural lenses, including the impact of the English Civil War and Commonwealth, major crises like the Great Plague and Fire of London, and the development of trade and naval power.