How do I revise The Two Spains: 1936 Onwards for WJEC A-Level?

Use authentic sources to research the theme

What exam tips are there for The Two Spains: 1936 Onwards? (2)

Practice critical and analytical writing skills

What exam tips are there for The Two Spains: 1936 Onwards? (3)

Ensure you can discuss the theme in both spoken and written formats

What mistakes should I avoid in The Two Spains: 1936 Onwards?

Relying on pre-learnt material rather than spontaneous interaction

What are common errors in The Two Spains: 1936 Onwards exams? (2)

Failing to address the specific question asked in the stimulus

The Two Spains: 1936 Onwards

WJEC

A-Level

Theme 4 (A level) focuses on the history of Spain from 1936 onwards, covering the origins, development, and consequences of Francoism, the historical and political repercussions of the post-Civil War era, the representation of the Civil War and the transition to democracy in arts, cinema, literature, and photography, and the process of coming to terms with the past through the 'Recuperación de la memoria histórica'.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

The topic 'The Two Spains: 1936 Onwards' explores the deep ideological and social divisions that led to the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and their enduring legacy under Franco's dictatorship and beyond. It examines the clash between the Republican side (supporting democracy, regional autonomy, and secularism) and the Nationalist side (backing traditionalism, centralism, and Catholicism). This division, known as 'las dos Españas', had roots in the 19th century but erupted violently in 1936, shaping modern Spanish identity and politics.

Understanding this topic is crucial for A-Level students as it provides insight into how civil conflict can arise from unresolved tensions, and how a dictatorship can impose a single narrative while suppressing alternative memories. The legacy of the Civil War continues to influence Spanish politics today, with debates over historical memory and the exhumation of Franco's remains. By studying this period, students gain a deeper appreciation of Spain's transition to democracy and the challenges of reconciling a divided past.

This topic fits within the WJEC A-Level Spanish specification as part of the study of historical and cultural contexts. It connects to themes of power, ideology, and identity, and requires analysis of primary sources such as propaganda posters, speeches, and memoirs. Students must evaluate different interpretations of the war and its aftermath, developing critical thinking skills essential for exam success.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the historical period 1936 onwards
Analyze the political, intellectual, and artistic culture of the era
Evaluate the impact of the Civil War and Francoism on modern Spain
Discuss the 'Recuperación de la memoria histórica' and its significance
Use accurate grammar and a range of vocabulary in spoken and written responses
Provide critical and analytical responses to the themes

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the historical period 1936 onwards
Analyze the political, intellectual, and artistic culture of the era
Evaluate the impact of the Civil War and Francoism on modern Spain
Discuss the 'Recuperación de la memoria histórica' and its significance
Use accurate grammar and a range of vocabulary in spoken and written responses
Provide critical and analytical responses to the themes

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Use authentic sources to research the theme
💡Practice critical and analytical writing skills
💡Ensure you can discuss the theme in both spoken and written formats
💡Focus on the 'Recuperación de la memoria histórica' as a key contemporary issue
💡Use the prescribed literary works and films to support your understanding of the historical context

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Relying on pre-learnt material rather than spontaneous interaction
Failing to address the specific question asked in the stimulus
Lack of critical analysis in written responses
Inaccurate use of complex grammatical structures like the subjunctive
Poor time management during the exam

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Analiza

Evalúa

Discute

Explica

Comenta

Compara

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

The Two Spains: 1936 Onwards

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC A-Level Spanish

A2 Units — Unit 3: Speaking / Independent Research Project (Non-exam assessment)

A2 Units — Unit 4: Listening, Reading and Translation

A2 Units — Unit 5: Critical and Analytical Response in Writing (Closed-book)

Adjectives — agreement, position, apocopation, comparative/superlative, use as nouns, demonstrative, indefinite, possessive, interrogative/exclamatory, relative (cuyo — receptive)

The Two Spains: 1936 Onwards

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main causes of the Spanish Civil War?

How did Franco maintain control after the Civil War?

What is the 'pact of forgetting' and why was it made?

How did the international community respond to the Spanish Civil War?

What is the legacy of the Spanish Civil War in modern Spain?

What role did the Catholic Church play in the Civil War and Franco's regime?

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC A-Level Spanish

A2 Units — Unit 3: Speaking / Independent Research Project (Non-exam assessment)

A2 Units — Unit 4: Listening, Reading and Translation

A2 Units — Unit 5: Critical and Analytical Response in Writing (Closed-book)

Adjectives — agreement, position, apocopation, comparative/superlative, use as nouns, demonstrative, indefinite, possessive, interrogative/exclamatory, relative (cuyo — receptive)