International Relations: the changing international order 1918–1975 with South Africa 1960–1994 — OCR GCSE History Revision

    This subtopic focuses on the escalation of resistance to the Apartheid regime in South Africa during the 1970s, examining the development of various resist

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic focuses on the escalation of resistance to the Apartheid regime in South Africa during the 1970s, examining the development of various resistance movements, the role of different social groups, and the repressive response of the state.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Examiner Marking Points

    International Relations: the changing international order 1918–1975 with South Africa 1960–1994

    OCR
    GCSE

    This subtopic focuses on the escalation of resistance to the Apartheid regime in South Africa during the 1970s, examining the development of various resistance movements, the role of different social groups, and the repressive response of the state.

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    Objectives
    3
    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
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    Mark Points

    Subtopics in this area

    Growing resistance and repression c.1970s

    Topic Overview

    This OCR GCSE History topic, 'International Relations: the changing international order 1918–1975 with South Africa 1960–1994', explores the dramatic shifts in global power and politics following World War I. You'll delve into the attempts to establish lasting peace through institutions like the League of Nations, the devastating failure that led to World War II, and the subsequent emergence of a new bipolar world dominated by the Cold War superpowers. Understanding this period is crucial for grasping the origins of many modern conflicts, alliances, and international organisations, providing context for today's geopolitical landscape.

    The module examines key themes such as the rise of totalitarian regimes, the policy of appeasement, and the ideological clash between capitalism and communism that defined the Cold War. You'll investigate significant crises like the Berlin Blockade and the Cuban Missile Crisis, understanding how these events shaped global diplomacy and the constant threat of nuclear war. Furthermore, the topic covers the wave of decolonisation, where former colonies gained independence, often becoming battlegrounds for superpower influence, thereby complicating the international order.

    A vital component of this study is the in-depth case study of South Africa from 1960–1994. This section focuses on the brutal system of apartheid, the internal resistance movements like the ANC, and the powerful international response, including sanctions, boycotts, and UN condemnation. It highlights how a domestic issue can become a major international concern, demonstrating the interconnectedness of global politics and the impact of human rights on foreign policy. This entire topic helps students develop critical thinking about cause and consequence, historical interpretation, and the complexities of international relations.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →**Treaty of Versailles (1919):** The peace settlement after WWI, its terms (e.g., war guilt clause, reparations, territorial losses for Germany) and its long-term impact on international stability and German resentment.
    • →**League of Nations:** The first international organisation designed to promote peace and collective security, understanding its structure, successes (e.g., humanitarian work) and significant failures (e.g., Manchuria, Abyssinia) in preventing aggression.
    • →**Appeasement:** The policy adopted by Britain and France in the 1930s, particularly towards Hitler, aiming to avoid war by making concessions, and its controversial role in the outbreak of WWII (e.g., Munich Agreement).
    • →**Cold War:** The ideological, political, and economic rivalry between the USA (capitalism/democracy) and the USSR (communism) from the late 1940s to 1991, characterised by proxy wars, an arms race, and a lack of direct military conflict between the superpowers.
    • →**Decolonisation:** The process by which former colonies in Asia and Africa gained independence after WWII, often leading to new nations navigating Cold War allegiances and facing internal challenges.
    • →**Apartheid:** The system of institutionalised racial segregation and discrimination enforced in South Africa from 1948 to 1994, and the international efforts to dismantle it through sanctions, boycotts, and diplomatic pressure.

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Development of the Black Consciousness Movement
    • Role of SASO (South African Students' Organisation)
    • Involvement of women's groups and trade unions
    • The Durban workers' strike 1973
    • Role of young people and the Soweto students' uprising 1976
    • Activities of the ANC in exile
    • Role of the international Anti-Apartheid Movement
    • Impact of resistance on the Apartheid regime

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Development of the Black Consciousness Movement
    • Role of SASO (South African Students' Organisation)
    • Involvement of women's groups and trade unions
    • The Durban workers' strike 1973
    • Role of young people and the Soweto students' uprising 1976
    • Activities of the ANC in exile
    • Role of the international Anti-Apartheid Movement
    • Impact of resistance on the Apartheid regime
    • Nature of the regime's response to resistance

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Ensure you can link the internal resistance movements to the broader context of the Cold War and international pressure.
    • 💡Focus on the relationship between the people and the state as the primary lens for analysis.
    • 💡Be prepared to use primary source material to investigate the nature of resistance and repression.
    • 💡**Use Specific Evidence:** Always support your points with precise historical details, including names (e.g., Hitler, Mandela), dates (e.g., 1938 Munich Agreement, 1960 Sharpeville Massacre), treaties (e.g., Treaty of Versailles), and events (e.g., Berlin Blockade, Cuban Missile Crisis). Generic statements without specific evidence will not achieve top marks.
    • 💡**Explain Cause and Consequence:** For 'Explain why...' questions, don't just list causes; explain *how* each factor led to the outcome. For 'How far do you agree...' questions, analyse the short-term and long-term consequences of events or policies, showing their impact and significance. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the chain of events.
    • 💡**Address the Question Directly:** Ensure every paragraph and point directly answers the specific question asked. Avoid 'dumping' everything you know about a topic. For 'How far do you agree...' questions, present a balanced argument, considering different perspectives, and conclude with a clear, reasoned judgement based on the evidence you've presented.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Students often mistakenly believe the Cold War involved direct military combat between the USA and the USSR. In reality, it was a 'cold' war due to the absence of direct superpower conflict, instead manifesting through proxy wars (e.g., Korea, Vietnam), an arms race, espionage, and ideological competition. The threat of mutually assured destruction (MAD) prevented direct confrontation.
    • Another common error is viewing the League of Nations as a complete and utter failure in every aspect. While it failed significantly in preventing major acts of aggression (e.g., Japan in Manchuria, Italy in Abyssinia), it did achieve successes in humanitarian work, resolving minor disputes, and establishing international cooperation in areas like health and labour. Its failures were primarily due to structural weaknesses, lack of enforcement power, and the self-interest of member states.
    • Some students may oversimplify the causes of World War II, focusing solely on Hitler's aggression. While crucial, it's vital to understand the complex interplay of factors including the harshness of the Treaty of Versailles, the failure of the League of Nations, the policy of appeasement, economic instability, and the rise of other aggressive totalitarian regimes (e.g., Mussolini's Italy, Imperial Japan).

    Revision Plan

    How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks

    1. 1**Week 1: Foundations of Instability & Road to War** * **Days 1-2:** Focus on the post-WWI settlement: the Treaty of Versailles (terms, impact, German reaction) and the creation of the League of Nations (aims, structure, early successes and failures like Manchuria and Abyssinia). Understand why peace was fragile. * **Days 3-4:** Study the rise of dictatorships (Mussolini, Hitler) and their aggressive foreign policies. Examine the policy of appeasement (reasons for, key events like the Munich Agreement) and its role in the outbreak of WWII. Use timelines to track key events. * **Days 5-7:** Transition to the origins of the Cold War: ideological differences, Yalta and Potsdam conferences, the Iron Curtain speech, Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, and the Berlin Blockade. Create a concept map linking these events.
    2. 2**Week 2: Cold War Deepens & South Africa Case Study** * **Days 1-2:** Explore the escalation of the Cold War: the arms race, NATO vs. Warsaw Pact, the Korean War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis (causes, events, consequences). Understand the concept of proxy wars and nuclear deterrence. * **Days 3-4:** Dive into decolonisation and its impact on the Cold War. Then, focus on South Africa: the establishment of apartheid, key figures (Mandela, de Klerk), internal resistance (Sharpeville, Soweto), and the role of the ANC. * **Days 5-7:** Examine the international response to apartheid: UN resolutions, economic sanctions, sporting and cultural boycotts, and the eventual dismantling of apartheid. Conclude by reviewing the entire topic, practising essay questions, and identifying areas for further revision.

    Exam Question Types

    How this topic typically appears in the exam

    • 📋**'Explain why...' (10 marks):** These questions require you to identify and explain multiple reasons for a historical event or development. For example, 'Explain why the League of Nations failed to prevent aggression in the 1930s.' You need to provide at least three distinct reasons, each with specific supporting evidence and a clear explanation of its significance and how it contributed to the outcome.
    • 📋**'How far do you agree...' (18 marks):** These are evaluative questions asking you to assess the extent to which a statement is true. For example, 'How far do you agree that the policy of appeasement was the main cause of the Second World War?' You must present a balanced argument, considering evidence that supports and challenges the statement, before reaching a clear, reasoned judgement in your conclusion. Use phrases like 'On one hand...', 'However, on the other hand...'.
    • 📋**'Describe...' (6 marks):** These questions test your factual recall and ability to provide a clear, concise account of an event or development. For example, 'Describe the key features of the apartheid system in South Africa.' You should aim for three distinct, well-described points, each with specific details, to demonstrate your knowledge without needing extensive analysis.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •**Causes and Consequences of World War I:** A basic understanding of the factors leading to the Great War and its immediate aftermath, including the collapse of empires and the desire for peace, will provide essential context for the post-1918 international order.
    • •**Basic Political Ideologies:** Familiarity with the core tenets of democracy, communism, fascism, and capitalism will help you understand the ideological clashes that underpinned the Cold War and the rise of totalitarian states.
    • •**Imperialism and Colonialism:** Knowledge of how European powers established and maintained empires is crucial for understanding the process of decolonisation and the challenges faced by newly independent nations.

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Describe
    Explain
    Analyse
    Evaluate

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