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Edexcel History A: Peace & War International Relations 14th June GCSE Exam Discussion

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Reply 20
I don't think they'll ask much about the Hungarian Revolution as alot of it last year was based on that.
Fingers crossed and good luck to you all.

btw did anyone see that 6 mark question in the past paper where they asked about the Warsaw Pact?
I can only think of 2 points to explain about...
1) allied countries of satellite states in Eastern bloc
2) mirrored NATO

... can anybody think of a third point?
thanks!
Reply 21
Original post by lettucesoap
I don't think they'll ask much about the Hungarian Revolution as alot of it last year was based on that.
Fingers crossed and good luck to you all.

btw did anyone see that 6 mark question in the past paper where they asked about the Warsaw Pact?
I can only think of 2 points to explain about...
1) allied countries of satellite states in Eastern bloc
2) mirrored NATO

... can anybody think of a third point?
thanks!


what from last year was based on the hungarian revolution?
Hey, can someone send me the january 2012 paper please?
Thanks in advance :smile:
Reply 23
Original post by theworld
what from last year was based on the hungarian revolution?


oops, I meant the Prague Spring, sorry.
It was both the 2 mark AND a choice for the 6 mark one too.

Briefly explain the key features of the opposition to Soviet control in Czechoslovakia in the spring of 1968. (2 marks)
and
Describe one international reaction to the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. (6 marks)
Reply 24
Original post by 15shivani15
Hey, can someone send me the january 2012 paper please?
Thanks in advance :smile:


there is no January paper for the International Relations paper - they're only released in June.
but if you're looking for something else then it's on the Edexcel website : http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse09/history/a/Pages/default.aspx
Reply 25
Any predicictions/teachers predictions for any of section 2,3,4 anyone? No?
Reply 26
Original post by theworld
Any predicictions/teachers predictions for any of section 2,3,4 anyone? No?


I'm not doing sections 2 or 3 but I am doing 4.
I predict that for part 4, they're going to ask us about Churchill's Iron Curtain speech, as in June 2011 paper they barely covered anything pre-1948 apart from the conferences which are an annual event anyway.
I also think that they're going to ask us about the Arms Race & how it developed during that period as that hasn't come up much yet... so I'd talk about the atomic bomb in 1945, ICBMs in NATO countries and both nations having Hydrogen bombs by 1953. :biggrin:
buuuut, we'll see.
Reply 27
Do you think they're likely to ask a 12 mark question on just Afghanistan in section 6?
Reply 28
I also think they're going to ask about the Brezhnev Doctrine, MAD, and Gorbachev's 'New Thinking', for sections 5 & 6
Reply 29
Original post by pips@kgs
Do you think they're likely to ask a 12 mark question on just Afghanistan in section 6?


gee, I really hope so. theres so much to say because so much happens - Teraki, Karmal, Mujahideen, Domino effect, Brezhnev's paranoia about the possibility of an Islamic state, oil etc...

however I have a sneaky feeling they're going to ask about Gorbachev's fall from grace or how the Soviet Union lost it's integrity... just because that's the area I'm least confident in & I always have bad luck for this sort of thing.
Reply 30
How did people find the Unit 3 USA exam? (the one with sources)
Reply 31
Original post by lettucesoap
gee, I really hope so. theres so much to say because so much happens - Teraki, Karmal, Mujahideen, Domino effect, Brezhnev's paranoia about the possibility of an Islamic state, oil etc...

however I have a sneaky feeling they're going to ask about Gorbachev's fall from grace or how the Soviet Union lost it's integrity... just because that's the area I'm least confident in & I always have bad luck for this sort of thing.


How was Geography?
Reply 32
Original post by Smko
How was Geography?


12 hours hasn't passed so I can't say anything about it yet, but I know if I think about it too much I'll worry, which isn't helpful :P I'll ask you how you found it too once 12 hours have passed... just dont wanna give international students an unfair advantage. :colondollar:
Reply 33
What are the causes of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan? My school lost the revision booklet we made on the whole invasion :frown:
Reply 34
guys im doing this paper :biggrin: but after reading your posts im not very confident lol it looks like i dont know much
For the USA exam, they gave us a guidline on how to answer each question, anyone have that for Cold War?
Thank you
Reply 35
Got some advice for all you guys, bear in mind it's a bit long...

‎--- Structures for History Exam ---

--- Part (a) (2 marks): ---

Literally 2 sentences is enough. Give a simple answer then add some extra detail about it:

e.g. Describe one reason why the summit between Eisenhower and Khrushchev in May 1960 collapsed?

The Paris summit in 1960 collpased because of the discover of a U2 spy plane over the USSR prior to it. Khrushchev demanded an apology from Eisenhower who refused to give one.

--- Part (b) (6 marks): ---

This is answering the key reasons for something happening. Give 3 clear reasons and develop them for what the question is asking. Give a cause + develop it, part of the event and develop it, and a consequence and develop it. Develop means give evidence and detail :smile: Say "the first key feature... the second key feature..."

e.g. Briefly explain the key features of the fall of the Berlin Wall, 1989

The first key feature of the fall of the Berlin wall was that it was caused by Gorbachev's reforms. In 1988, he outlined the 'Sinatra Doctrine', that all countries may decide their own path without Soviet interference. This meant that if the Berlin wall was opened, the Soviets would not respond, meaning there was growing hope in the country.

The second key feature of the fall of the Berlin wall was the opening of Hungarian borders. In 1989, Hungary planned for free elections in 1990, along with choosing to open their Austrian border in 1989. This provided a 'gap in the iron curtain', and east Germans were able to travel to West German through Austria. This created ideas that the Berlin wall should no longer exist.

The third key feature of the fall of the Berlin wall was that protests occurred in East Berlin in 1989. One million people marched for democracy, equality and freedom. Gorbachev told the East German government that the USSR would not interfere and so on the 9th November 1989, the Berlin Wall crossings were opened. This allowed traffic into the West and protesters destroyed the Wall itself
___ This got 6/6 (My teacher marked it for me)____

--- Part (c) (12 marks): ---

This is the longer question, but to be honest it's quite simple. The way I do it is by thinking of three points for why something happened or changed (usually why relations changed). Then give each one a paragraph, state "The first reason for change was..." then add some details about the events then say "This caused... because". Say if it was a why relations changed question, I'd say that "This caused relations to get worse because the USSR/USA....".
Try to link the points together, as they usually do link up. e.g. Why relations changed from 1979-84, was because Afghanistan, which led to Carter's response (boycott) which led to Reagan and his "Star Wars".
Look carefully at the dates they give you. They usually say them for a reason, and will often exclude or include key events. e.g. Changing relations from 1948-53 will be Berlin, NATO (not Warsaw Pact of 1955), the USSR Nuclear bomb and ends with Stalin's death in 1953 (it gave hope to the USA for change).
Finally, remember to link and prioritise in the conclusion. Say which is the most important cause, and explain how it led to the others. Leave time for the conclusion

E.g. Explain why relations between Cuba and the USA worsened in the years 1959-61

During the years 1959-61, the relationship between the USA and Cuba worsened progressively, due to a change in Cuban leadership, a growing relationship with the USSR and US invasion attempts.

The first reason for the change in Cuban-US relations was the change in Cuban leadership. In 1959, a popular uprising led to the appointment of Fidel Castro as president of Cuba. He was an abrasive figure towards the US, and expelled all US businesses from Cuba, which had been flourishing under his predecessors reign. This caused a worsening in relations since Cuba showed it was opposed to the US, and wanted nothing to do with them.

The lack of a relationship with the US led to the latter refusing to buy Cuban sugar. This led to the second key reason for change in relations; growing closeness with the USSR. Khrushchev saw an opportunity to gain favour, and so purchased Cuban sugar. This led to a blossoming relationship between the two countries, as exports grew. As a result, relationships with the USA worsened, since the USA saw Khrushchev as trying to infringe upon the American continent. Cuba was left with a worse relationship as a result, as the USSR were keen allies with Cuba

As a result of US fears for Cuba due to the growing relationship with the USSR, it led to the third key reason for change; US invasion attempts. In 1961, the US sent a force of Cuban exiles called ‘La Brigada 2506’ into Cuba to incite a revolution to overthrow Castro. This ultimately failed, since Castro was popular in Cuba and the Cuban army easily removed the threat. As a result, Cuba developed even worse relations with the US as Cuba saw the latter as a modern-day colonial force, trying to invade their sovereign land. This allowed the USSR to capitalise on anger at the US by building missiles on the island.

Overall, the relationship between the US and Cuba worsened progressively between 1959-61. The greatest reason for this deterioration was the growing Cuba-USSR relationship, because it ultimately caused the US invasion through the latter’s fears of Soviet influence in Cuba. Although the Cuba-USSR relationship was borne out of anger at the US’ refusal to buy Cuban sugar, ultimately Castro’s political leanings would have caused a Cuba-USSR relationship to develop nevertheless.

___ This got 12/12 according to my history teacher _____

--- Final thoughts ---

So yeah, keep an eye on the timings. 25 minutes per question, part a should take 1-2mins, part b should be 6-8 mins and part c around 12-15 minutes

Learn your dates and key times

Good luck!

(It took me ages to type this :frown: )

(edited 11 years ago)
Reply 36
Original post by zabi1
guys im doing this paper :biggrin: but after reading your posts im not very confident lol it looks like i dont know much
For the USA exam, they gave us a guidline on how to answer each question, anyone have that for Cold War?
Thank you


Check out my post on here, loads of detail
Reply 37
Original post by pips@kgs
What are the causes of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan? My school lost the revision booklet we made on the whole invasion :frown:


alrighty,
so in April 1978 there is the Kabul Revolution, a dramatic overthrow of the Afghan royal family which was replaced by a socialist/communist government, led by Mohammed Teraki. However, Teraki's government isn't stable, so a civil war breaks out between the Mujahideen (Islamic rebels who want power, led by Amin) vs. Karmal, a popular Afghan communist.

USSR was very concerned about this power struggle, for if the Mujahideen won, then Afghanistan would become an Islamic state and influence nearby Soviet Republics do the same (domino effect). The thing is, Islamic states aren't Communist, and therefore Islamic states have no reasons/desires to make alliances with the Soviet Union...but the Soviet Union needs Afghanistan's oil & loyalty, as it is wedged right inbetween the 'two camps' or 'spheres of influences'.

So they invaded Afghanistan on Christmas day 1979 to give Karmal support to form a new Government.

USA, on the other hand, was also deeply concerned about the power struggle in Afghanistan, but they could not fight directly because they're busy in Vietnam. More importantly, the USA are absolutely appalled at what the USSR is doing. So, President Carter takes the following steps:

1) The Carter Doctrine was commissioned in 1979, where the USA...
- formed an alliance with China and Israel
- they supplied weapons to the Mujahideen (so now the Mujahideen has this incredible supply of hi-tech weapons, giving them an extreme advantage in winning) ~ VERY IMPORTANT, I'll explain why in a minute
- the ended all diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union ~ THIS MARKED THE END OF DETENTE

2) Boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics & persuaded other countries to do so to protest against the Soviet interferance

3) Carter withdrew his support for SALT 2 - a doctrine in the making which was meant to reduce nuclear weapons

The 10 year war that followed the Soviet invasion was a humiliating disaster for both Afghanistan & USSR...

1) around 1.5 million people died, including 15,000 Red Army
2) it crippled the Soviet economy, it cost the USSR $7.8 billion a year.
3) the arming of Islamic fundamentalists by the US left a legacy of terrorism (Al-Qaeda was born in 88-89, towards the end of the war) which blights the world to this day
4) humiliating withdrawal of USSR
5) it marked a new low in Superpower tensions
Reply 38
Original post by lettucesoap
alrighty,
so in April 1978 there is the Kabul Revolution, a dramatic overthrow of the Afghan royal family which was replaced by a socialist/communist government, led by Mohammed Teraki. However, Teraki's government isn't stable, so a civil war breaks out between the Mujahideen (Islamic rebels who want power, led by Amin) vs. Karmal, a popular Afghan communist.

USSR was very concerned about this power struggle, for if the Mujahideen won, then Afghanistan would become an Islamic state and influence nearby Soviet Republics do the same (domino effect). The thing is, Islamic states aren't Communist, and therefore Islamic states have no reasons/desires to make alliances with the Soviet Union...but the Soviet Union needs Afghanistan's oil & loyalty, as it is wedged right inbetween the 'two camps' or 'spheres of influences'.

So they invaded Afghanistan on Christmas day 1979 to give Karmal support to form a new Government.

USA, on the other hand, was also deeply concerned about the power struggle in Afghanistan, but they could not fight directly because they're busy in Vietnam. More importantly, the USA are absolutely appalled at what the USSR is doing. So, President Carter takes the following steps:

1) The Carter Doctrine was commissioned in 1979, where the USA...
- formed an alliance with China and Israel
- they supplied weapons to the Mujahideen (so now the Mujahideen has this incredible supply of hi-tech weapons, giving them an extreme advantage in winning) ~ VERY IMPORTANT, I'll explain why in a minute
- the ended all diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union ~ THIS MARKED THE END OF DETENTE

2) Boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics & persuaded other countries to do so to protest against the Soviet interferance

3) Carter withdrew his support for SALT 2 - a doctrine in the making which was meant to reduce nuclear weapons

The 10 year war that followed the Soviet invasion was a humiliating disaster for both Afghanistan & USSR...

1) around 1.5 million people died, including 15,000 Red Army
2) it crippled the Soviet economy, it cost the USSR $7.8 billion a year.
3) the arming of Islamic fundamentalists by the US left a legacy of terrorism (Al-Qaeda was born in 88-89, towards the end of the war) which blights the world to this day
4) humiliating withdrawal of USSR
5) it marked a new low in Superpower tensions




THANKS SO MUCH!!! Good luck tomorrow too :smile:
Reply 39
Original post by shmuxel
Got some advice for all you guys, bear in mind it's a bit long...


this is... amazing. thankyou for posting this. best of luck tomorrow, from the looks of it you're gonna do great.

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