Heyy
I have my GCSE History exam (Edexcel) coming up on Wednesday, and as I'm not very good with the Paper 1 (essay based questions), I was wondering if anyone would be able to go through this and tell me where to improve?? In particular, any general comments or tips in relation to [B]answering the types of questions (Why, In What way did, Describe the Key Features Of "x") would be great :yep: [/B]
I basically did all the question parts in 30 minutes to give myself a bit less time, so its not as good as I would have liked. Also, I probably have repeated certain facts a lot of times :p: but normally they ask more varied questions.
Thanks in advance xxx
Here's the questions:
June 01 Past Paper
(i) Explain what is meant by the “Truman Doctrine”.
The term “Truman Doctrine” refers to a policy introduced by US President Truman in 1947. The Truman Doctrine aimed to “contain” communism – in other words, to prevent it from spreading it any further. In to do so, Truman felt that financial support was necessary so as to recover the Eastern European economies – which had been destroyed by the war; furthermore, he felt that the Communist ideologies would thrive amidst poverty. Therefore, the Truman Doctrine also stated that the US would have to support other countries both militarily as well as financially so as to successfully “contain” communism. This policy eventually became known as the Truman Doctrine.
(ii) What were the effects of the Berlin Blockade on relations between the Superpowers in the late 1940s?
The 1948-49 Blockade involved Stalin closing all rail, transport and canal links between West Germany and Western Berlin as a reaction to the US Marshall Aid. The blockade several impacts, and generally resulted in a further decline in Superpower relations during this period.
Firstly, as Stalin had to call of the blockade in 1949 as it turned out to be a failure (between 1947-51 $12 billion of aid were given by the US despite the blockade). This was a huge humiliation to the USSR, and as a result, Stalin realized that to recover their “image” as well as stand up to the USA, they would have to catch up with them in terms of nuclear technology and developing the atom bomb. Therefore, Stalin stepped up the USSR’s nuclear testing, which in turn confirmed existing US suspicions that the Soviet Union had plans to take over Europe. In 1949 the USSR developed the atomic bomb, which worsened existing American fears of communism. This caused relations to decline further, as distrust between the sides increased.
Furthermore, another effect linked into this was that the US realized the need to form military alliances, following the USSR’s increased nuclear testing. In 1949, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) was formed between the US and 20 other countries. Stalin saw this as a deliberate threat, and in retaliation, formed the Warsaw Pact in 1955. Therefore, as the Blockade contributed to the formation of both these military alliances, it also resulted in worse relations between the Superpowers, as both sides grew increasingly suspicious of one another.
(i) Why did relations between the USA and USSR change in the period from the end of the Second World War to the beginning of the Berlin Blockade (1948)?
During the Second World War, both Superpowers had fought together against Nazi Germany as allies. However, once the war was over, both sides’ existing suspicions of one another resurfaced. At the post-war conferences of Yalta and Potsdam, there were several disagreements, which triggered a decline in relations. In Potsdam in particular, there was open disagreement with the USSR over promising to establish free elections in Eastern Europe, as well as in the boundaries for the division of Germany. The USSR argued that due to their huge loss of soldiers during World War II -in total 2 million Soviet soldiers died – it was necessary for them to ensure their security by having friendly governments in their neighbouring countries (particularly Poland) so as to create a buffer zone against future attack. However, the US saw this as an excuse for the Soviets to try and expand their control by spreading communism in the rest of Europe. These initial disagreements developed further in the following years, as relations declined even further.
In 1947, the Truman Doctrine was issued, and the Marshall Aid scheme was also proposed by America. Tensions between both superpowers were already high, and this served to anger the USSR further and cause a further decline in relations. Stalin saw this as an intrusion, and may have even thought the USA and its allies were planning to reunite Germany. Consequently, he enforced the 1948-9 Berlin Blockade, which was unsuccessful and seen as a US victory. Furthermore, it also resulted in the 1949 formation of NATO, and both sides’ existing suspicions of each other (which had increased since Potsdam) worsened as they felt the need to have military alliances.
In conclusion, due to several trigger factors such as disagreements at the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences as well as resulting consequences such as the Berlin Blockade, relations between the Superpowers declined between 1945-9.
(ii) In what ways did relations between the USA and USSR change in the years 1949 – 56?
Between the years 1949-56, several key events caused changes in Superpower relations. Following the US’ policy of containment (as issued in the 1947 Truman Doctrine), they became concerned with the increasing spread of communism, and were worried by its “domino effect”. In 1949, China fell to communism, and the 1950-53 Korean War was also an issue of concern to the US. Both superpowers, whilst still not directly fighting each-other, were effectively fighting wars by proxy. Evidently, their suspicions of one another had increased, and relations worsened as the conflict began to take on a more global perspective.
Furthermore, following the humiliating failure of the Berlin Blockade in 1949, the Soviet Union increased their nuclear testing. This resulted in existing US suspicions that the USSR wanted to gain control over Europe being confirmed, and as a result NATO was formed followed by the Warsaw Pact in 1955. The need for forming such military pacts highlighted the decline in relations and the rivalry between both sides increased.
Additionally, the increased military testing which took place after the Berlin Blockade resulted in the development of the “Arms Race”, whereby both sides tried to outweigh the other in terms of numbers of nuclear weaponry. In 1952, the US developed the Hydrogen Bomb, and the USSR did so the following year. The escalating competition as each side caught up with the other’s military advancements, resulted in poorer relations between the Superpowers and an increasing distrust.
However, in 1953, the death of Stalin was temporarily seen as a brink of hope for a improvement in relations; Khrushchev, who succeeded him in 1956, strongly criticized aspects of Stalin’s policies, and implemented a “de-Stalinisation policy” in one of his speeches. Many interpreted his seemingly more liberal approach tas a sign of change and positive hope; in Hungary (a satellite state) people thought this meant they would be able to have more democracy and free elections. However, Khrushchev’s statement was directed at states within the Soviet Union rather than satellite states such as Hungary - it was crucial for the USSR to maintain control over so as to maintain a buffer zone from potential attack. As a result, Khrushchev had to intervene, and sent in the Red Army in 1956 following the overthrow of the previous communist dictatorship. In total, 30,000 Hungarians died; nonetheless, this time the US did not intervene as they had done previously following the 1948-49 Berlin Blockade, through Marshall Aid. The USA’s lack of involvement would probably have pleased the USSR, and temporarily caused a relative thaw in relations.
Nonetheless, overall relations generally followed a declining pattern in the period between 1949-56, as rivalry between the superpowers increased as well as taking on a more global perspective.
Incomplete.
Oopz, soz bout that
Here it is - also just as a note, this is for the English GCSEs but if you could generally give me any advice on improving my answers/answering the different types of questions (why, in what way, how etc.) that would be great! Thanks =)
June 01 Past Paper
(i) Explain what is meant by the “Truman Doctrine”.
The term “Truman Doctrine” refers to a policy introduced by US President Truman in 1947. The Truman Doctrine aimed to “contain” communism – in other words, to prevent it from spreading it any further. In to do so, Truman felt that financial support was necessary so as to recover the Eastern European economies – which had been destroyed by the war; furthermore, he felt that the Communist ideologies would thrive amidst poverty. Therefore, the Truman Doctrine also stated that the US would have to support other countries both militarily as well as financially so as to successfully “contain” communism. This policy eventually became known as the Truman Doctrine.
(ii) What were the effects of the Berlin Blockade on relations between the Superpowers in the late 1940s?
The 1948-49 Blockade involved Stalin closing all rail, transport and canal links between West Germany and Western Berlin as a reaction to the US Marshall Aid. The blockade several impacts, and generally resulted in a further decline in Superpower relations during this period.
Firstly, as Stalin had to call of the blockade in 1949 as it turned out to be a failure (between 1947-51 $12 billion of aid were given by the US despite the blockade). This was a huge humiliation to the USSR, and as a result, Stalin realized that to recover their “image” as well as stand up to the USA, they would have to catch up with them in terms of nuclear technology and developing the atom bomb. Therefore, Stalin stepped up the USSR’s nuclear testing, which in turn confirmed existing US suspicions that the Soviet Union had plans to take over Europe. In 1949 the USSR developed the atomic bomb, which worsened existing American fears of communism. This caused relations to decline further, as distrust between the sides increased.
Furthermore, another effect linked into this was that the US realized the need to form military alliances, following the USSR’s increased nuclear testing. In 1949, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) was formed between the US and 20 other countries. Stalin saw this as a deliberate threat, and in retaliation, formed the Warsaw Pact in 1955. Therefore, as the Blockade contributed to the formation of both these military alliances, it also resulted in worse relations between the Superpowers, as both sides grew increasingly suspicious of one another.
(i) Why did relations between the USA and USSR change in the period from the end of the Second World War to the beginning of the Berlin Blockade (1948)?
During the Second World War, both Superpowers had fought together against Nazi Germany as allies. However, once the war was over, both sides’ existing suspicions of one another resurfaced. At the post-war conferences of Yalta and Potsdam, there were several disagreements, which triggered a decline in relations. In Potsdam in particular, there was open disagreement with the USSR over promising to establish free elections in Eastern Europe, as well as in the boundaries for the division of Germany. The USSR argued that due to their huge loss of soldiers during World War II -in total 2 million Soviet soldiers died – it was necessary for them to ensure their security by having friendly governments in their neighbouring countries (particularly Poland) so as to create a buffer zone against future attack. However, the US saw this as an excuse for the Soviets to try and expand their control by spreading communism in the rest of Europe. These initial disagreements developed further in the following years, as relations declined even further.
In 1947, the Truman Doctrine was issued, and the Marshall Aid scheme was also proposed by America. Tensions between both superpowers were already high, and this served to anger the USSR further and cause a further decline in relations. Stalin saw this as an intrusion, and may have even thought the USA and its allies were planning to reunite Germany. Consequently, he enforced the 1948-9 Berlin Blockade, which was unsuccessful and seen as a US victory. Furthermore, it also resulted in the 1949 formation of NATO, and both sides’ existing suspicions of each other (which had increased since Potsdam) worsened as they felt the need to have military alliances.
In conclusion, due to several trigger factors such as disagreements at the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences as well as resulting consequences such as the Berlin Blockade, relations between the Superpowers declined between 1945-9.
(ii) In what ways did relations between the USA and USSR change in the years 1949 – 56?
Between the years 1949-56, several key events caused changes in Superpower relations. Following the US’ policy of containment (as issued in the 1947 Truman Doctrine), they became concerned with the increasing spread of communism, and were worried by its “domino effect”. In 1949, China fell to communism, and the 1950-53 Korean War was also an issue of concern to the US. Both superpowers, whilst still not directly fighting each-other, were effectively fighting wars by proxy. Evidently, their suspicions of one another had increased, and relations worsened as the conflict began to take on a more global perspective.
Furthermore, following the humiliating failure of the Berlin Blockade in 1949, the Soviet Union increased their nuclear testing. This resulted in existing US suspicions that the USSR wanted to gain control over Europe being confirmed, and as a result NATO was formed followed by the Warsaw Pact in 1955. The need for forming such military pacts highlighted the decline in relations and the rivalry between both sides increased.
Additionally, the increased military testing which took place after the Berlin Blockade resulted in the development of the “Arms Race”, whereby both sides tried to outweigh the other in terms of numbers of nuclear weaponry. In 1952, the US developed the Hydrogen Bomb, and the USSR did so the following year. The escalating competition as each side caught up with the other’s military advancements, resulted in poorer relations between the Superpowers and an increasing distrust.
However, in 1953, the death of Stalin was temporarily seen as a brink of hope for a improvement in relations; Khrushchev, who succeeded him in 1956, strongly criticized aspects of Stalin’s policies, and implemented a “de-Stalinisation policy” in one of his speeches. Many interpreted his seemingly more liberal approach tas a sign of change and positive hope; in Hungary (a satellite state) people thought this meant they would be able to have more democracy and free elections. However, Khrushchev’s statement was directed at states within the Soviet Union rather than satellite states such as Hungary - it was crucial for the USSR to maintain control over so as to maintain a buffer zone from potential attack. As a result, Khrushchev had to intervene, and sent in the Red Army in 1956 following the overthrow of the previous communist dictatorship. In total, 30,000 Hungarians died; nonetheless, this time the US did not intervene as they had done previously following the 1948-49 Berlin Blockade, through Marshall Aid. The USA’s lack of involvement would probably have pleased the USSR, and temporarily caused a relative thaw in relations.
Nonetheless, overall relations generally followed a declining pattern in the period between 1949-56, as rivalry between the superpowers increased as well as taking on a more global perspective.
ahh it won't let me post my answer again because it's too long?
If you tried to copy and paste something (especially if it’s a numbered or bulleted list), it did not work. You’ll need to type it in by hand.
To improve your answers, there are a few general tips you can keep in mind when tackling essay-based questions.
1. Read the question carefully: Make sure you understand what the question is asking and identify the key points you need to address in your answer. It is essential to stay focused on answering the question correctly.
2. Plan your answer: Before you start writing, take a few minutes to jot down the main points and arguments you want to make. This will help you structure your essay and ensure that you cover all the necessary points.
3. Provide evidence: When making arguments or statements, support them with evidence from the sources or your own knowledge. This adds credibility to your response and shows that you have a good understanding of the topic.
4. Be concise and clear: Write in a clear and concise manner, avoiding unnecessary repetition or wordiness. Use simple language and avoid jargon unless necessary. Keep your sentences and paragraphs structured and focused.
5. Analyze and evaluate: Don't just provide information or facts; analyze and evaluate them to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the topic. This can involve discussing different perspectives, weighing the significance of events, or examining cause and effect relationships.
Now let's provide some specific tips for each question you shared:
(i) Explain what is meant by the “Truman Doctrine”:
Your answer provides a good overview of the Truman Doctrine. To improve it, consider including specific examples or case studies of countries where the Truman Doctrine was applied, such as Greece or Turkey. This will help to illustrate the impact and implementation of the doctrine.
(ii) What were the effects of the Berlin Blockade on relations between the Superpowers in the late 1940s?
Your answer addresses some key effects of the Berlin Blockade. To enhance it, you could add more details about the immediate consequences of the blockade, such as the airlift operations conducted by the Western Allies. Additionally, you could discuss the long-term implications of the Berlin Blockade on the division of Germany and the formation of military alliances, such as NATO and the Warsaw Pact.
(i) Why did relations between the USA and USSR change in the period from the end of the Second World War to the beginning of the Berlin Blockade (1948)?
Your answer provides a good overview of the factors that led to the decline in relations between the USA and USSR. To make it stronger, consider including specific examples of disagreements at the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences, as well as discussing the implications of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Aid scheme in more depth.
(ii) In what ways did relations between the USA and USSR change in the years 1949-56?
Your answer covers some significant changes in relations during this period. To improve it, you could provide more specific examples of proxy wars or conflicts that occurred, such as the Korean War or the Hungarian Uprising. It would also be helpful to analyze the impact of these events on the arms race between the superpowers and the overall global rivalry.
By incorporating these tips into your answers, you can strengthen your essays and improve your ability to address different types of questions effectively. Good luck with your GCSE History exam!