IB History - Paper 2

​IB Paper 2 - Topic 8: Independence movements (1800-2000) past paper questions complete to November 2024

Below are how questions have been asked. In the exam, two questions are asked from two of the three topics. Remember regions should not be a problem because you have studied two regions in Africa and India/Indochina.  See these questions in the years they were asked. 

​Topic - 1. Origins and rise of independence movements, up to the point of independence

To what extent did external factors rather than internal factors contribute to the growth of two independence movements? Compare and contrast the importance of nationalism to two independence movements, each from a different region. “Religion was an important factor in the development of independence movements.” With reference to two independence movements, each from a different region, to what extent do you agree with this statement? “External factors had the most significant impact on the growth of independence movements.” Discuss with reference to two independence movements. Examine the importance of nationalism in the rise of two independence movements, each from a different region.  Discuss the importance of social and economic factors in the rise of one independence movement, up to the point of independence. Evaluate the role of war as a cause for the rise of two independence movements, each from a different region.  Evaluate the importance of external factors in the growth of two independence movements, each from a different region. Discuss the importance of race to the origins and rise of independence movements in two states.  Examine the importance of war to the rise of independence movements in two states, each chosen from a different region. Examine the importance of nationalism in the rise of two independence movements, each from a different region.  Evaluate the importance of external factors in the growth of two independence movements, each chosen from a different region.  Evaluate the importance of political ideology in the rise of two independence movements, each chosen from a different region.  Evaluate the importance of wars to the rise of two independence movements in the period 1800-2000.  “External factors were more significant than internal ones in the rise of independence movements.” Discuss with reference to two independence movements in the period 1800–2000.  “Political factors had the most influence on the rise of independence movements in the period 1800-2000.” Discuss, with reference to two movements, each chosen from a different region

​Topic - 2. Methods used and reasons for success​​

Compare and contrast the methods used to achieve independence in two states, each from a different region. “Strong leadership was essential to the success of independence movements.” Discuss with reference to two independence movements, each from a different region.   “Successful independence movements were dependent on skilful and persuasive leaders.”  Discuss with reference to two independence movements. With reference to two independence movements, to what extent was violence an important method of achieving independence? Discuss the importance of leadership in the success of two independence movements, each from a different region. Evaluate the factors, excluding leadership, that led to the success of one independence movement. “Other factors were more important than leadership in the success of independence movements.” Discuss with reference to two independence movements. “Violent methods were essential to the achievement of independence.” Discuss with reference to two states. Compare and contrast the methods used in achieving independence in two states.​ “Non-violent methods were more effective than violent methods in achieving independence.” Discuss with reference to two states. ​ With reference to two independence movements in the period 1800–2000, each chosen from a different region to what extent did their success depend on effective leadership?

​Topic - Challenges faced in the first 10 years and responses to the challenges​

“Political problems were the most serious challenge to new states in the first 10 years of independence.” Discuss with reference to two states. To what extent did one state, in the first ten years following independence, effectively respond to social and economic challenges? Evaluate how effectively two states responded to the challenges they faced in the first 10 years of independence. “Political problems were not a significant challenge to new states in the first 10 years of independence.” With reference to two new states, to what extent do you agree with this statement? Discuss the effectiveness of responses to political problems during the first ten years of independence in two states, each chosen from a different region. Evaluate the effectiveness of responses to economic challenges in the first ten years of independence in two states, each chosen from a different region. Discuss the responses to challenges faced in the first ten years of one independent state.​ “Economic difficulties were the most important challenge faced in the first ten years of independence.” Discuss, with reference to two states.    “Social issues were the most important challenge faced in the first ten years of independence.” Discuss, with reference to two states, each chosen from a different region.  Ethnic and racial challenges were the most important issues facing states in their first 10 years of independence." Discuss with reference to two new states in the period 1800-2000, each chosen from a different region.  To what extent did economic policies in two states respond effectively to the challenges faced in the first 10 years of independence in the period 1800-2000?