Question 1

What were the main causes of the First World War?

Accepted Answer

The main causes of the First World War are often summarised as MAIN: Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism. Militarism involved an arms race, especially between Britain and Germany. Alliances created two opposing blocs: the Triple Entente (Britain, France, Russia) and the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy). Imperialism led to rivalries over colonies, particularly in Africa and the Balkans. Nationalism fuelled tensions, especially in the Balkans where Slavic groups wanted independence from Austria-Hungary. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June 1914 was the immediate trigger.

Question 2

How did the Treaty of Versailles lead to World War II?

Accepted Answer

The Treaty of Versailles (1919) imposed harsh terms on Germany, including war guilt, huge reparations, loss of territory, and military restrictions. This caused deep resentment among Germans, who felt humiliated and economically crippled. The treaty also created a power vacuum in Europe, as Germany was weakened but not destroyed. Adolf Hitler exploited this resentment, promising to restore German pride and overturn the treaty. His aggressive foreign policy, such as remilitarising the Rhineland and annexing Austria, was initially unchecked by appeasement, ultimately leading to the outbreak of WWII in 1939.

Question 3

What was the Cold War and why did it happen?

Accepted Answer

The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the USA and the Soviet Union (USSR) and their respective allies, lasting from roughly 1947 to 1991. It was called a 'cold' war because it did not involve direct large-scale fighting between the superpowers, but instead featured proxy wars, espionage, propaganda, and a nuclear arms race. The Cold War happened due to ideological differences between capitalism (USA) and communism (USSR), mutual suspicion after WWII, and competition for global influence. Key events include the Berlin Blockade, the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War.

Question 4

How did the civil rights movement change America?

Accepted Answer

The civil rights movement (1950s-1960s) was a struggle for racial equality in the USA, led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. It used nonviolent protest, such as sit-ins, marches, and boycotts, to challenge segregation and discrimination. Key achievements include the Civil Rights Act (1964), which outlawed segregation in public places, and the Voting Rights Act (1965), which banned racial discrimination in voting. The movement also inspired other social movements, such as feminism and LGBTQ+ rights, and changed American society by promoting greater equality and challenging systemic racism.

Question 5

What was the significance of the United Nations?

Accepted Answer

The United Nations (UN) was founded in 1945 after WWII to promote international peace and security, and to prevent future conflicts. Its significance lies in its role as a forum for diplomacy, where member states can negotiate and resolve disputes peacefully. The UN also coordinates humanitarian aid, promotes human rights, and sets international laws. Key bodies include the Security Council, which can authorise peacekeeping missions, and the General Assembly, where all members have a vote. Despite criticisms of inefficiency and bias, the UN has been crucial in mediating conflicts, such as the Korean War and the Gulf War, and in addressing global issues like climate change and poverty.

Question 6

Why did the League of Nations fail?

Accepted Answer

The League of Nations, established after WWI, failed primarily because it lacked the power to enforce its decisions. Key weaknesses included the absence of major powers like the USA (which never joined), the USSR (joined later), and Germany (initially excluded). The League required unanimous votes for action, making it slow and ineffective. It also had no army, so it relied on economic sanctions or moral persuasion, which were often ignored. For example, when Japan invaded Manchuria (1931) and Italy invaded Abyssinia (1935), the League's sanctions were weak and failed to stop aggression. This emboldened dictators and contributed to the outbreak of WWII.

Understanding the modern world

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