International Relations: the changing international order 1918–1975 with The USA 1919–1948
This subtopic examines the impact of the Second World War on US society, focusing on the mobilization of the population, the role of government, and the social consequences of the war effort between 1919 and 1948.
Subtopics in this area
Topic Overview
This topic explores the shifting landscape of international relations from the end of World War I to the mid-1970s, with a particular focus on the role of the USA between 1919 and 1948. You will examine the collapse of old empires, the rise of new ideologies, and the attempts to create a stable world order through organisations like the League of Nations and the United Nations. The period covers the interwar years, World War II, and the early Cold War, highlighting how the USA transitioned from isolationism to global superpower.
Understanding this topic is crucial because it explains the origins of many contemporary global issues, such as the division of Europe, the nuclear arms race, and the role of international institutions. For the OCR GCSE, you need to analyse the causes and consequences of key events like the Treaty of Versailles, the Great Depression, the rise of fascism, and the breakdown of the Grand Alliance. The USA's journey from a reluctant participant in world affairs to a leading power is central to this narrative.
This topic fits into the wider subject of History by showing how international relations are shaped by economic pressures, ideological conflicts, and the actions of key individuals. It also connects to themes of power, diplomacy, and human rights, providing a foundation for understanding later developments such as the Cold War and decolonisation. Mastery of this period will help you evaluate historical interpretations and write analytical essays.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Isolationism vs. Internationalism: The USA's shift from avoiding foreign entanglements in the 1920s to taking a leading role in global affairs after 1941, exemplified by the Lend-Lease Act and the Marshall Plan.
- →Collective Security: The idea that peace could be maintained through international cooperation, as attempted by the League of Nations (failed) and the United Nations (more successful initially).
- →Ideological Conflict: The clash between democracy, fascism, and communism, which drove alliances and tensions, especially the US-Soviet rivalry after 1945.
- →Economic Interdependence: How the Great Depression and trade policies (e.g., Smoot-Hawley Tariff) affected international relations, leading to protectionism and the rise of aggressive regimes.
What You Need to Demonstrate
Key skills and knowledge for this topic
- Mobilization of the US people for the war effort including propaganda campaigns and war production.
- The end of the Great Depression as a result of war production.
- Increased government and Presidential powers including control of wages and prices.
- Response of the population to US involvement in the war.
- Social impact of the war including rationing, tax on luxuries, housing shortages, and an increase in divorce rates.
- The role of women and their contribution to the war effort.
- The internment of Japanese Americans.
- The war as a foundation for the Civil Rights movement.
Marking Points
Key points examiners look for in your answers
- Mobilization of the US people for the war effort including propaganda campaigns and war production.
- The end of the Great Depression as a result of war production.
- Increased government and Presidential powers including control of wages and prices.
- Response of the population to US involvement in the war.
- Social impact of the war including rationing, tax on luxuries, housing shortages, and an increase in divorce rates.
- The role of women and their contribution to the war effort.
- The internment of Japanese Americans.
- The war as a foundation for the Civil Rights movement.
- The Detroit Race Riots of 1943.
- Segregation within the military and the impact of Executive Order 8802.
- The desegregation of US troops in 1948.
Examiner Tips
Expert advice for maximising your marks
- 💡Ensure you can link the impact of the war to broader themes of the US 1919-1948 depth study.
- 💡Be prepared to use primary source material to investigate the social impact of the war.
- 💡Focus on how the state's relationship with the people changed due to wartime requirements.
- 💡Use specific examples: When discussing US isolationism, mention the rejection of the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations, not just general statements. This shows detailed knowledge.
- 💡Link causes and consequences: For example, explain how the Treaty of Versailles caused resentment in Germany, which contributed to WWII, and how that led to the US becoming a superpower. This demonstrates analytical skills.
- 💡Evaluate interpretations: In essay questions, consider different historical perspectives (e.g., was the Cold War inevitable or due to US/Soviet actions?). This shows higher-level thinking.
Common Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers
- Misconception: The League of Nations was a complete failure. Correction: While it failed to prevent WWII, it had some successes in the 1920s (e.g., resolving the Åland Islands dispute) and laid the groundwork for the UN.
- Misconception: The USA was entirely isolationist until Pearl Harbor. Correction: The USA was involved in international affairs through the Washington Naval Conference (1921-22), the Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928), and the Good Neighbor Policy in Latin America.
- Misconception: The Cold War started immediately after WWII. Correction: Tensions grew gradually; the breakdown of the Grand Alliance occurred over issues like the future of Germany and Eastern Europe, with key events like the Truman Doctrine (1947) marking a clear shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •A basic understanding of World War I and its aftermath, including the Treaty of Versailles and the collapse of empires.
- •Familiarity with the rise of fascism in Italy and Germany, and the causes of the Great Depression.
- •Knowledge of key individuals like Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Stalin.
Likely Command Words
How questions on this topic are typically asked
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