H2 History (Syllabus 9174)

This course focuses on key forces and developments that shaped 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 and their interconnections. Eight historical concepts form the framework for historical thinking and conceptual understanding: accounts, chronology, historical empathy, evidence, cause and effect, change and continuity, diversity, and significance.

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

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

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

This theme examines the Cold War's emergence from the ideological opposition between the USA and USSR after World War II, its global spread interacting with nationalism and decolonization, and the rise of China as a Cold War actor in Asia. Topics include the causes of the Cold War, manifestations of tensions (Yalta and Potsdam conferences, Sovietisation of Eastern Europe, Churchill's Iron Curtain speech, Kennan's Long Telegram, Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, Berlin Blockade, NATO, and the Warsaw Pact), historical interpretations of its origins, manifestations of the Global Cold War (Korean War, Vietnam War, Cuban Missile Crisis), and the end of the Cold War (USA's renewed confrontation and containment policy, USSR's decline, Eastern European movements and revolutions, and historical interpretations of the Cold War's end).

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

This theme investigates the post-war global economy's unprecedented growth, exploring factors like post-war reconstruction, the roles of the USA, Western Europe, Japan, multinational corporations, and international organizations. It also analyzes economic challenges such as the oil crises of 1973 and 1979, protectionism, and the debt crises of the 1980s. The economic transformation of post-war Japan and post-1978 China are also examined.

Theme III: Conflict and Cooperation (1945-2000)

This theme analyzes key conflicts shaping the post-World War II international order, including inter-state and intra-state conflicts. It explores the causes, development, and management of conflicts such as the Indo-Pakistani Conflict (1947-1972), Arab-Israeli Conflict (1948-1979), Congo Crisis (1960-1965), and Bosnian War (1992-1995), focusing on the roles of different actors and the effectiveness of conflict management approaches.

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

This paper examines key developments within Southeast Asian countries after independence, using a thematic-comparative approach. Candidates are expected to select at least three countries as case studies.

Theme I: Forming Nation-States

This theme explores how Southeast Asian countries formed nation-states after World War II, focusing on the competition between different groups to shape political developments, the formation of different forms of government, and the pursuit of national unity. It examines the factors influencing the establishment of different forms of government, the consolidation of power, and the outcomes of nation-building efforts.

Theme II: Economic Change After Independence

This theme examines economic change in Southeast Asia and its diverse outcomes. It explores how independent Southeast Asian countries restructured their economies and key sectors, the factors shaping economic change (domestic conditions, government roles, private businesses, and external conditions), and the outcomes of economic change (economic growth, equity, and nationalism).

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

This theme examines inter-state tensions and cooperation in Southeast Asia, exploring how the pursuit of national interests led to both tensions and cooperation. It investigates case studies such as the dispute over Preah Vihear, the dispute over Sabah, Konfrontasi, the Singapore-Malaysia water dispute, and the outbreak of the Third Indochina War. The formation, development, and outcomes of ASEAN are also studied, focusing on its role in building regional stability and security and promoting regional economic cooperation.