America, 1920-1973: Opportunity and inequality

    AQA
    GCSE

    This period study examines the evolution of the USA from the 'Roaring Twenties' to the social and political crises of the early 1970s. It focuses on the tension between the ideals of the 'American Dream' and the realities of economic instability and social inequality. Candidates must analyse the transformative impact of the Great Depression, the expansion of Federal power under the New Deal and Great Society, and the pivotal Civil Rights struggles. Assessment requires understanding the shift from isolationism and laissez-faire to global superpower status and interventionism, evaluating how these shifts affected specific demographic groups including African Americans, women, and the working class.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for the explicit identification of the provenance of interpretations (author, date, purpose) to explain differences in perspective (Q2)
    • Credit responses that apply precise contextual knowledge to evaluate the validity of an interpretation, rather than merely describing the event (Q3)
    • Ensure 'Explain' responses (Q5) demonstrate a clear chain of reasoning (Cause -> Event -> Consequence) rather than narrative description
    • For the 16-mark 'How far' question, candidates must establish criteria for judgment and sustain a line of argument throughout the response

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have described what happened; now explain *why* this was a turning point for the economy"
    • "Your evaluation of the interpretation relies on its content; you must also assess how the author's context influences this view"
    • "Specific factual detail is needed here—replace 'many people' with specific groups or statistics"
    • "The judgment is present but needs to be sustained; ensure your argument in the conclusion matches the evidence provided in the main body"

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for the explicit identification of the provenance of interpretations (author, date, purpose) to explain differences in perspective (Q2)
    • Credit responses that apply precise contextual knowledge to evaluate the validity of an interpretation, rather than merely describing the event (Q3)
    • Ensure 'Explain' responses (Q5) demonstrate a clear chain of reasoning (Cause -> Event -> Consequence) rather than narrative description
    • For the 16-mark 'How far' question, candidates must establish criteria for judgment and sustain a line of argument throughout the response

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In Q3 ('Which is more convincing'), focus on what the interpretation gets right factually, not just what it omits
    • 💡Allocate 20-25 minutes for the final 16-mark question; it carries the highest weight for AO2 analysis
    • 💡For Q2 ('Why they differ'), explicitly link the author's background or time of writing to their specific view
    • 💡Use connecting phrases like 'This meant that...' or 'Consequently...' to force analytical depth in explanation questions

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing Q1 (How interpretations differ based on content) with Q2 (Why interpretations differ based on provenance)
    • Describing the content of the New Deal agencies without explaining their specific impact on economic recovery or social welfare
    • Asserting an interpretation is 'biased' and therefore 'useless' without evaluating how that bias informs the historical perspective
    • Providing a narrative of the Civil Rights Movement rather than assessing the extent of change achieved by specific legislation

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    How do interpretations differ
    Why do interpretations differ
    Which is more convincing
    Describe
    Explain
    How far do you agree

    Ready to test yourself?

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