cambridge international as level international history 1871-1945_public

Introduction to Cambridge International AS Level International History 1871-1945

Overview of the Series

Editor: Phil WadsworthSeries Editor: Patrick Walsh-Atkins

Aim

Complete coverage of Cambridge International AS Level History (syllabus code 9389). Useful for students in other A Level courses covering similar topics.

Structure of the Book

Chapters include:

  • International relations in an age of imperialism (1871–1918)

  • International relations in an age of uncertainty (1919–33)

  • International relations in an age of extremism (1919–39)

  • China and Japan in an age of development (1919–45)

  • The search for international peace and security (1919–45)

Examination Skills

Examination Details

AS Level consists of two papers.

  • Paper 1: One hour long, focuses on sources related to International Peace and Security.

  • Paper 2: One and a half hours long, requires students to answer questions based on topics from the syllabus.

Paper 1 involves analysis of sources, while Paper 2 tests understanding of causes and significance of events.

Examination Skills

Chapter 6 focuses on different types of exam questions, requiring skills in analysis, evaluation, and structured writing.

Key Features in Each Chapter:

  • Key questions

  • Content summaries

  • Timelines of significant events

  • Notable figures

  • Definitions of key terms

  • Revision questions

  • Further reading suggestions

Key Topics Covered

International Relations in an Age of Imperialism (1871-1918)

  • Examination of the motivations behind imperialism, including economic interests, nationalistic fervor, and competition among European powers.

  • Discusses the significance of the Berlin Conference (1884-85) in regulating European colonization and trade in Africa.

  • The transformation of empires through the rise of the USA and Japan as formidable world powers, impacting global trade and politics.

  • The development of military and political alliances in Europe, leading to the eventual outbreak of World War I.

International Relations in an Age of Uncertainty (1919-1933)

  • An analysis of the post-World War I settlements, including the Treaty of Versailles and its implications, which sowed the seeds for future conflicts.

  • Exploration of various attempts to improve international relations, such as the League of Nations, and their subsequent failures, highlighting factors like the economic depression and rising extremism.

International Relations in an Age of Extremism (1919-1939)

  • Examination of Mussolini’s and Hitler’s foreign policies, including their aggressive expansionism and alliances, leading to significant tensions in Europe.

  • Key conflicts such as the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and its implications for the testing of international ideologies.

China and Japan (1919-1945)

  • Detailed overview of the sociopolitical changes in China, including the Chinese Civil War and the struggle against Japanese imperialism.

  • Discussion of Japan's military expansion in Asia, including its invasion of Manchuria in 1931 and the broader consequences in the international arena.

Search for International Peace (1919-1945)

  • Formation of the League of Nations and its objectives, as well as the challenges it faced, including member states' inaction and the rise of totalitarian regimes.

  • The establishment of the United Nations post-World War II and its goals regarding maintaining peace and security in a volatile geopolitical climate.

Key Figures

Significant figures include Woodrow Wilson (advocate for the League of Nations), Mussolini (fascist leader of Italy), and Hitler (Nazi leader of Germany), whose actions and policies had profound impacts on international relations during the periods examined.

Revision and Further Study

Incorporates review questions at the end of each chapter and further reading to enhance understanding and context.