IB Study Suggestions and Strategies

Paper 1—Communism in Crisis, China under Deng Xiaoping: economic policies and the Four Modernizations China under Deng Xiaoping: political changes, and their limits, culminating in Tiananmen Square (1989) domestic and foreign problems of the Brezhnev era: economic and political stagnation; Afghanistan Gorbachev and his aims/policies (glasnost and perestroika) and consequences for the Soviet state consequences of Gorbachev’s policies for Eastern European reform movement Review OPVL handout

Paper 2—Practices and Causes of War Different types and nature of 20th century warfare (Civil, Guerrilla, Limited war, total war) Origins and causes of wars (Long-term, short- term and immediate causes; Economic, ideological, political, religious causes Nature of 20th century wars (Technological developments, tactics and strategies, air, land and sea) Home front: economic and social impact (including changes in the role and status of women) Resistance and revolutionary movements Effects and results of wars Peace settlements and wars ending without treaties Attempts at collective security pre- and post- Second World War Political repercussions and territorial changes Post-war economic problems

Paper 2—Practices and Causes of War Resistance and revolutionary movements Effects and results of wars Peace settlements and wars ending without treaties Attempts at collective security pre- and post- Second World War Political repercussions and territorial changes Post-war economic problems

Wars for study First World War Second World War Chinese Civil War Spanish Civil War

Paper 2—Cold War Origins of the Cold War (Ideological differences, Mutual suspicion and fear, From wartime allies to post-war enemies) Nature of the Cold War (Ideological opposition, Superpowers and spheres of influence, Alliances and diplomacy in the Cold War)

Paper 2—Cold War Development and impact of the Cold War (Global spread of the Cold War from its European origins; Cold War policies of containment, brinkmanship, peaceful coexistence, détente; Role of the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement; Role and significance of leaders; Arms race, proliferation and limitation; Social, cultural and economic impact) End of the Cold War (Break-up of Soviet Union: internal problems and external pressures Breakdown of Soviet control over Central and Eastern Europe)

Paper 2—Cold War Wartime conferences: Yalta and Potsdam US policies and developments in Europe: Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, NATO Soviet policies, Sovietization of Eastern and Central Europe, COMECON, Warsaw Pact Sino–Soviet relations US–Chinese relations Germany (especially Berlin ( )), Congo ( ), Afghanistan ( ), Korea, Cuba, Vietnam, Middle East Castro, Gorbachev, Kennedy, Mao, Reagan, Stalin, Truman

Paper 2 There are 3 other topics on the exam – Democratic states—challenges and responses – Origins and development of authoritarian and single-party states – Nationalist and independence movements in Africa and Asia post 1945 Central and Eastern European States

Paper 3—The Americas Topic Refer to IB syllabus for Americas Topics from this year Choose 4-5 topics to focus on. Choose a combo of topics from this year and last year. Review mark schemes and alternative perspectives.

Americas Topics from Year 1 Independence Movements in the Americas – Causes, Leaders, US Declaration of Independence, Independence Movements in Latin America, US position toward Latin American Independence and the Monroe Doctrine Nation-building – Articles of Confederation and Constitution, Rise and impact of Caudillos in Latin America, War of 1812, and Mexican-American War

Americas Topics from year 1 US Civil War – Slavery and Underground Railroad, Causes, Arguments for and against slavery, Effects of Westward expansion, Lincoln-Douglass debates, Strengths and weaknesses of the Union and Confederacy, Major battles, Role of foreign powers, and Success and failure of Reconstruction Modern Nations – Causes and consequences of industrialization; Causes and consequences of immigration; Development and impact of Progressivism, nationalism, nativism.

Americas Topics from Year 2 See IB Syllabus

Studying strategies Use IB objectives and sample questions from lectures to help guide studying. Flashcards for things you need to memorize. Practice thesis statements, outlines, etc. Group or partner discussions Review practice exams Choose topics you are interested in or the most comfortable with especially for paper 3.

Test Taking Strategies Relax! Make outlines and/or notes in your exam before you start writing. Highlight and/or underline parts of the question to make sure you answer it completely. Use all time available. Keep track of time. If you have time re-read your answers before you turn them in and make any edits.