Singapore JC Subject List - History (H2, Revised)

This course focuses on key forces and developments shaping the latter half of the 20th century, providing context for understanding contemporary geopolitical and economic shifts. It comprises two papers covering global, regional, and local developments, emphasizing historical actors' agency. Eight key historical concepts—accounts, chronology, historical empathy, evidence, cause and effect, change and continuity, diversity, and significance—provide a framework for historical thinking.

Paper 1: The Changing International Order (1945-2000)

This paper explores the interplay between historical actors and the Cold War, examining its influence on international security and the economic order.

Theme I: The Development of the Cold War (1945-1991) (Source-Based Case Study)

This theme examines the Cold War's origins in the ideological clash between the USA and USSR after World War II, its global expansion intertwined with nationalism and decolonization, and the shift from bipolarity with China's rise. Key content includes the causes of the Cold War, manifestations of tension (Yalta and Potsdam conferences, Sovietization of Eastern Europe, Churchill's Iron Curtain speech, Kennan's Long Telegram, Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, Berlin Blockade, NATO, and the Warsaw Pact), interpretations of its origins, manifestations of the global Cold War (Korean War, Vietnam War, Cuban Missile Crisis), and the factors leading to its end, including US policies, the USSR's decline, and Eastern European revolutions.

Theme II: The Development of the Global Economy (1945-2000)

This theme analyzes the unprecedented growth of the post-war global economy, driven by factors like post-war reconstruction and the roles of the USA, Western Europe, and Japan. It also covers economic challenges like the oil crises of 1973 and 1979, protectionism, and the debt crises of the 1980s. The transformation of East Asian economies, specifically Japan (1947-1991) and China (1978-2000), is examined, focusing on factors like government intervention, market-oriented reforms, and international developments.

Theme III: Conflict and Cooperation (1945-2000)

This theme explores key conflicts shaping the post-war international order, including inter-state and intra-state conflicts. It examines the causes of conflicts, the roles of different actors, and the effectiveness of conflict management approaches. Case studies include the Indo-Pakistani Conflict (1947-1972), Arab-Israeli Conflict (1948-1979), Congo Crisis (1960-1965), and Bosnian War (1992-1995).

Paper 2: Developments in Southeast Asia (Independence-2000)

This paper examines key developments in Southeast Asia after independence, using a thematic-comparative approach across at least three chosen case study countries.

Theme I: Forming Nation-States

This theme explores the formation of nation-states in Southeast Asia after World War II, focusing on the competition between different groups to shape political developments, the establishment of various forms of government, and the pursuit of national unity amid ethnic diversity. The influence of decolonization, local elites, the masses, and Cold War developments are considered.

Theme II: Economic Change After Independence

This theme examines economic changes in Southeast Asia after independence, including changes and continuities in key sectors like agriculture, industry, and financial services. Factors shaping economic change, such as domestic conditions, government roles, private businesses, and external influences like the Cold War and global economic developments, are analyzed. The outcomes of economic change, including economic growth, equity, and nationalism, are also evaluated.

Theme III: Regional Conflicts and Cooperation (Source-Based Case Study)

This theme explores inter-state tensions and cooperation in Southeast Asia, focusing on the pursuit of national interests, the causes and consequences of tensions, and the role of ASEAN in fostering regional resilience and adaptation to the post-Cold War environment. Case studies include disputes over Preah Vihear, Sabah, Konfrontasi, the Singapore-Malaysia water dispute, and the outbreak of the Third Indochina War. The growth and development of ASEAN, its role in regional stability and security, and its promotion of economic cooperation are also examined.