Independence and identity, political and economic transitions, conflict and displacement, climate and innovation, protest and change. 3 subtopics, 12 key terms.
A short, in-depth study assessed in Paper 1; each option has two focused studies, both compulsory.
Inquiry question
The question that frames the Paper 1 sources and all three questions.
Synthesis
Combining evidence and perspectives from several sources into a coherent answer.
Paper 1: 1 h 15 min, 24 marks, identical at SL and HL (SL 30 %, HL 20 %).
The full notes, worked example and check questions for this subtopic are in the app.
Exam tip: Read the inquiry question first, then annotate each source for what it says about that question.
2.2Options: independence and identity; political and economic transitions
Key terms
Decolonisation
The process by which colonies gained independence.
Nationalism
The belief that a nation should govern itself.
Partition
Division of a territory into separate states.
Transition
A shift between political or economic systems.
Shock therapy
Rapid market reforms after communism (e.g. Poland, 1990).
The five options are: independence and identity, political and economic transitions, conflict and displacement, climate and innovation, protest and change. Your school studies one option (two focused studies).
The full notes, worked example and check questions for this subtopic are in the app.
Exam tip: Prepare short context notes for each focused study: key people, dates, groups and their perspectives.
2.3Options: conflict and displacement; climate and innovation; protest and change
Key terms
Displacement
Forced movement of people from their homes.
Refugee
A person who has fled their country because of persecution or conflict (1951 Convention).
Environmental history
How humans and the environment have shaped each other.
Protest movement
Collective action to demand change.
Conflict and displacement examples: the Partition of India (1947, around 10–20 million displaced), Palestinian displacement (1948), refugees after the Second World War.
The full notes, worked example and check questions for this subtopic are in the app.
Exam tip: For each focused study, list 4–5 groups and how each saw events: that's your perspective toolkit for Q3.