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A Level H2 History Practice Paper 2
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Questions
TuitionGoWhere Exam Practice (AI) - History H2 A-Level
Subject: History H2
Level: A-Level
Paper: Practice Paper 2 of 5 (Source-Based Skills Focus)
Duration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Total Marks: 40
Name: __________________________
Class: __________________________
Date: __________________________
Instructions to Candidates
- This paper consists of two sections.
- Answer all questions in Section A and all questions in Section B.
- Write your answers in the spaces provided.
- The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question.
- This practice paper focuses on Source-Based Skills (AO2: Source Handling) using contexts from Southeast Asian History and International History.
Section A: Source Analysis and Comparison
Answer all questions in this section.
Study Sources A and B below and answer Questions 1 and 2.
Source A
Excerpt from a speech by Lee Kuan Yew, Prime Minister of Singapore, at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Jakarta, July 1967.
"We are a region of diverse peoples, religions, and political systems. To survive, we must not look inward at our differences, but outward at our common vulnerabilities. The formation of this Association is not merely a diplomatic gesture; it is a strategic necessity. By presenting a united front, we deny external powers the opportunity to exploit our fragmentation. We must cooperate on economic development, for poverty is the breeding ground of extremism. However, let us be clear: this cooperation does not imply a supranational authority. Each member retains full sovereignty. We cooperate because we must, not because we share a single ideology."
Source B
Excerpt from an article in 'The Straits Times', 10 August 1967, titled 'ASEAN: A New Hope for Stability'.
"The signing of the Bangkok Declaration marks a turning point for Southeast Asia. For the first time, non-communist states in the region have agreed to a formal framework for consultation. Critics argue that the differences between Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore are too great to bridge. Yet, the shared fear of communist insurgency, particularly following the turmoil in Indonesia and the ongoing conflict in Vietnam, has driven these nations together. The primary goal is clear: regional stability. If ASEAN can facilitate economic growth and social progress, it may well become the bulwark against the spread of communism that the West hopes for. However, skepticism remains regarding whether these nations can truly trust one another given recent confrontations."
1. Compare and contrast the evidence provided by Sources A and B on the reasons for the formation of ASEAN.
[10 marks]
2. How reliable is Source A as evidence for understanding the early motivations of ASEAN founding members?
[5 marks]
Study Sources C and D below and answer Questions 3 and 4.
Source C
Cartoon published in a Soviet newspaper, 'Pravda', 1950.
(Description: A large, menacing figure labeled 'US Imperialism' is dropping bombs labeled 'Intervention' on a small, peaceful village labeled 'Korea'. In the background, a figure labeled 'UN' is blindfolded and holding a flag that says 'Neutrality', while being pushed by a puppeteer labeled 'Washington'.)
Source D
Excerpt from a US State Department Memorandum, June 1950.
"The attack by North Korean forces is a clear violation of the UN Charter. It is not merely a local conflict but a test of the collective security principle. If we allow aggression to stand unchecked in Korea, it will encourage further expansionism by communist powers elsewhere in Asia. The United Nations must act decisively. The Security Council has already passed resolutions calling for the withdrawal of North Korean forces. We must provide military support to South Korea under the UN banner to demonstrate that the free world will not tolerate such brazen aggression. This is a police action, authorized by international law, to restore peace."
3. Compare and contrast the views expressed in Sources C and D on the nature of the Korean War.
[10 marks]
4. What is the message conveyed by Source C, and how does it differ from the justification provided in Source D?
[5 marks]
Section B: Source Evaluation and Synthesis
Answer all questions in this section.
Study Sources E, F, G, and H below and answer Question 5.
Source E
Excerpt from a speech by Suharto, President of Indonesia, 1974.
"Indonesia’s development strategy focuses on self-reliance. We must utilize our natural resources to build a strong industrial base. Foreign investment is welcome, but it must serve our national interests. We cannot allow multinational corporations to dominate our economy as they did in the colonial era. The state must guide development to ensure that the benefits reach the rural population. Stability is the prerequisite for growth, and we will not tolerate dissent that threatens this stability."
Source F
Excerpt from an economic report by the World Bank, 1975.
"Indonesia has shown remarkable progress in stabilizing its economy after the turmoil of the mid-1960s. The shift towards opening up to foreign investment, particularly in the oil and mining sectors, has led to significant GDP growth. However, there are concerns about the concentration of wealth and the reliance on volatile commodity prices. The government’s emphasis on infrastructure is commendable, but bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption remain obstacles to sustainable development. Greater transparency and private sector participation are needed."
Source G
Excerpt from an interview with a Indonesian student activist, 1974.
"The government claims to be developing the nation for the people, but who are 'the people'? The rich get richer, while the poor remain in poverty. Foreign companies are extracting our resources and sending the profits abroad. The state uses the rhetoric of 'stability' to silence critics and suppress labor rights. This is not development; it is exploitation by a new elite, backed by foreign powers. We demand a development model that prioritizes social justice, not just economic statistics."
Source H
Statistical Table: Indonesia’s Economic Indicators (1970-1975)
Year GDP Growth Rate (%) Inflation Rate (%) Oil Exports (Million USD) 1970 5.2 12.0 450 1971 6.1 9.5 520 1972 7.8 8.0 610 1973 9.5 15.0 980 1974 8.2 20.0 1200 1975 6.5 18.0 1100 Source: Indonesian Central Bureau of Statistics
5. "How far do Sources E–H support the view that Indonesia’s economic development in the 1970s was successful?"
[10 marks]
Study Sources I, J, K, L, M, and N below and answer Question 6.
Source I
Excerpt from a UN Secretary-General’s Report, 1992.
"The end of the Cold War has created new opportunities for the United Nations to fulfill its mandate of maintaining international peace and security. With the reduction in superpower rivalry, the Security Council is able to act more decisively. We are seeing a surge in peacekeeping operations, not just to monitor ceasefires, but to assist in nation-building, humanitarian aid, and election monitoring. This 'new peacekeeping' requires greater resources and political will from member states."
Source J
Excerpt from a speech by a US Senator, 1993.
"The United States cannot be the world’s policeman. While we support the UN’s efforts, we must be selective in our involvement. We cannot commit troops to every conflict around the globe. The UN must learn to share the burden. American taxpayers are weary of endless interventions that do not serve our national interest. We will support peacekeeping where it aligns with our strategic goals, but we will not underwrite failures."
Source K
Excerpt from a news article, 'The New York Times', October 1993.
"The death of 18 US Rangers in Mogadishu, Somalia, has sparked a fierce debate in Washington about the role of UN peacekeeping. Critics argue that the mission lacked clear objectives and adequate resources. The incident highlights the dangers of 'mission creep', where humanitarian goals expand into military engagement without a clear exit strategy. This tragedy may lead to a retreat from international commitments, undermining the UN’s credibility."
Source L
Excerpt from a Rwandan government statement, April 1994.
"We appeal to the international community for assistance to stop the genocide. The UN peacekeeping force is too small and its mandate is too weak. They stand by while our people are killed. Where is the collective security promised in the UN Charter? The world watches, but does not act. This is a betrayal of the principles of humanity."
Source M
Excerpt from a UN Internal Review, 1995.
"The failures in Somalia and Rwanda have exposed the limitations of UN peacekeeping. The organization lacks its own standing army and relies on voluntary contributions from member states. Political divisions in the Security Council often delay decisive action. Furthermore, peacekeepers are often deployed into conflicts where there is no peace to keep. Reform is urgently needed to clarify mandates and improve rapid response capabilities."
Source N
Cartoon published in a European newspaper, 1995.
(Description: A figure labeled 'UN' is trying to put out a large fire labeled 'Global Conflicts' with a tiny water pistol labeled 'Peacekeeping Mandate'. In the background, large figures labeled 'Superpowers' are watching and drinking coffee, ignoring the fire.)
6. "How far do Sources I–N support the view that the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping was undermined by the lack of support from major powers in the post-Cold War era?"
[10 marks]
End of Paper
Answers
TuitionGoWhere Exam Practice (AI) - History H2 A-Level
Marking Scheme and Answer Key (Practice Paper 2 of 5)
Subject: History H2
Topic: Source-Based Skills
Total Marks: 40
Section A: Source Analysis and Comparison
Question 1: Compare and contrast the evidence provided by Sources A and B on the reasons for the formation of ASEAN. [10 marks]
Marking Criteria:
- Level 3 (8-10 marks): Detailed comparison with explicit points of agreement and disagreement. Evaluates the nature of the evidence (e.g., intent vs. observation). Well-structured.
- Level 2 (5-7 marks): Identifies some similarities and differences but may list them separately rather than comparing directly. Some relevant evidence used.
- Level 1 (1-4 marks): Limited comparison, mostly summarizing one or both sources. Little or no contrast identified.
Indicative Content:
Similarities (Agreement):
- Security/Stability: Both sources identify security and stability as primary drivers. Source A mentions "common vulnerabilities" and denying external powers the chance to exploit fragmentation. Source B cites "shared fear of communist insurgency" and "regional stability."
- Economic Cooperation: Both highlight economic development. Source A states cooperation on economic development is necessary to combat poverty/extremism. Source B mentions facilitating "economic growth and social progress."
- Regional Unity: Both acknowledge the need for a united front/framework. Source A calls for a "united front." Source B notes the agreement on a "formal framework for consultation."
Differences (Contrast):
- Perspective/Tone: Source A is an internal, strategic justification by a leader (Lee Kuan Yew), emphasizing sovereignty and necessity ("we must"). Source B is an external, journalistic observation, noting both hope and skepticism ("critics argue," "skepticism remains").
- Ideology vs. Pragmatism: Source A explicitly rejects a single ideology ("not because we share a single ideology"), emphasizing pragmatism. Source B frames the alliance more in ideological terms as a "bulwark against the spread of communism," reflecting a Cold War binary view.
- Trust/Feasibility: Source A presents unity as a strategic necessity despite differences. Source B questions the feasibility, highlighting "differences... too great to bridge" and lack of trust due to "recent confrontations."
- Role of External Powers: Source A focuses on denying external powers opportunity (defensive). Source B suggests ASEAN is what "the West hopes for," implying a proxy role in the Cold War.
Question 2: How reliable is Source A as evidence for understanding the early motivations of ASEAN founding members? [5 marks]
Marking Criteria:
- Level 2 (4-5 marks): Evaluates reliability by considering provenance (author, date, purpose) and content. Identifies both strengths and limitations.
- Level 1 (1-3 marks): Simple statement of reliability without detailed justification. May focus only on content or only on provenance.
Indicative Content:
- Strengths (Reliable):
- Provenance: Lee Kuan Yew was a key founding father and Prime Minister of Singapore, directly involved in the negotiations. He has firsthand knowledge of the motivations.
- Date: Delivered in July 1967, immediately after formation, capturing the immediate intent without the distortion of hindsight.
- Content: Provides insight into the strategic thinking (sovereignty, economic necessity) that might not be in public declarations.
- Limitations (Unreliable/Biased):
- Purpose: It is a public speech intended to justify the formation to other members and the world. It may gloss over deeper conflicts or self-interest (e.g., Singapore’s need for a hinterland).
- Bias: As a leader, he presents the official, optimistic narrative. It may downplay the significant distrust between members (e.g., Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation) mentioned in other sources.
- Scope: Represents only one member’s view (Singapore), though likely shared by others, it is not a comprehensive record of all members' private motivations.
Question 3: Compare and contrast the views expressed in Sources C and D on the nature of the Korean War. [10 marks]
Marking Criteria:
- Level 3 (8-10 marks): Clear comparison of the contrasting interpretations (aggression vs. liberation/police action). Analyzes the perspective of each source.
- Level 2 (5-7 marks): Identifies differences but may lack depth in analyzing the underlying perspectives (Cold War bias).
- Level 1 (1-4 marks): Describes the sources separately without effective comparison.
Indicative Content:
Similarities:
- Involvement of Major Powers: Both acknowledge the involvement of the US and the UN. Source C shows the US dropping bombs and controlling the UN. Source D discusses US support under the UN banner.
- International Significance: Both imply the conflict is not just local. Source C calls it "US Imperialism." Source D calls it a "test of collective security" and warns of further expansionism.
Differences:
- Nature of the Conflict:
- Source C (Soviet View): Portrays the war as US aggression/imperialism. The US is the aggressor ("dropping bombs"), and the UN is a sham/puppet ("blindfolded," "pushed by puppeteer"). It is an unjust intervention.
- Source D (US View): Portrays the war as a defensive "police action" against North Korean aggression. It is a lawful response to a "violation of the UN Charter" to restore peace.
- Role of the UN:
- Source C: The UN is illegitimate, biased, and controlled by the US. It lacks neutrality.
- Source D: The UN is a legitimate authority acting on collective security principles. Its resolutions are lawful and necessary.
- Motivation:
- Source C: US motive is imperialist expansion and domination.
- Source D: US/UN motive is to uphold international law and stop communist expansionism.
Question 4: What is the message conveyed by Source C, and how does it differ from the justification provided in Source D? [5 marks]
Marking Criteria:
- Level 2 (4-5 marks): Clearly explains the message of Source C (propaganda, US blame) and contrasts it with Source D’s legal/moral justification.
- Level 1 (1-3 marks): Identifies the message of Source C but fails to clearly contrast it with Source D.
Indicative Content:
- Message of Source C: The cartoon conveys that the Korean War is a result of US imperialist aggression, not a legitimate UN action. The UN is depicted as a tool of the US, lacking independence and morality (blindfolded). The message is that the US is the true aggressor hiding behind the UN.
- Difference from Source D: Source D justifies the intervention as a lawful, necessary response to North Korean aggression to uphold collective security. Source C rejects this justification entirely, framing it as a pretext for US imperialism. Source D emphasizes legality and defense; Source C emphasizes illegality and offense.
Section B: Source Evaluation and Synthesis
Question 5: "How far do Sources E–H support the view that Indonesia’s economic development in the 1970s was successful?" [10 marks]
Marking Criteria:
- Level 3 (8-10 marks): Nuanced evaluation. Weighs evidence of success (growth, stability) against limitations (inequality, corruption, dissent). Uses all sources effectively. Clear judgment.
- Level 2 (5-7 marks): Identifies supporting and contradicting evidence but may lack synthesis. May treat sources in isolation.
- Level 1 (1-4 marks): Limited response, mostly describing sources. Little evaluation of "success."
Indicative Content:
Support for Success (Sources E, F, H):
- GDP Growth: Source H shows consistent GDP growth (5.2% to 9.5%), indicating economic expansion.
- Export Revenue: Source H shows a significant increase in oil exports (450m to 1200m USD), boosting national income.
- Stability: Source E argues that stability is a prerequisite for growth, and the state’s guidance has led to progress. Source F acknowledges "remarkable progress in stabilizing its economy."
- Infrastructure: Source F notes government emphasis on infrastructure is "commendable."
Challenges to Success (Sources F, G, H):
- Inequality: Source G argues that "the rich get richer, while the poor remain in poverty." Source F notes "concentration of wealth."
- Inflation: Source H shows rising inflation (12% to 20%), which erodes purchasing power and indicates economic instability.
- Corruption/Inefficiency: Source F highlights "bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption" as obstacles.
- Social Unrest: Source G indicates significant dissent, suggesting that economic stats do not reflect social well-being. The activist calls it "exploitation," not development.
- Foreign Dependence: Source E warns against foreign domination, while Source F notes reliance on volatile commodity prices (oil). Source G criticizes foreign profit extraction.
Conclusion: The sources suggest that Indonesia’s development was partially successful in terms of macroeconomic indicators (GDP, exports) and stability, but unsuccessful in terms of equitable distribution, social justice, and controlling inflation/corruption. "Success" depends on the definition: if defined by growth, it was successful; if defined by social welfare and equity, it was flawed.
Question 6: "How far do Sources I–N support the view that the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping was undermined by the lack of support from major powers in the post-Cold War era?" [10 marks]
Marking Criteria:
- Level 3 (8-10 marks): Strong synthesis. Evaluates the role of major powers (US, Security Council) alongside other factors (mandate, resources, nature of conflict). Uses all sources. Balanced judgment.
- Level 2 (5-7 marks): Identifies lack of support as a factor but may overlook other constraints. Good use of some sources.
- Level 1 (1-4 marks): Limited analysis. May just list what each source says.
Indicative Content:
Support for the View (Lack of Major Power Support Undermined Effectiveness):
- US Reluctance: Source J shows US unwillingness to be "world’s policeman" and selective involvement based on national interest. Source K shows the impact of Somalia leading to a "retreat from international commitments."
- Inaction/Betrayal: Source L accuses the international community (major powers) of standing by while genocide occurs in Rwanda. "The world watches, but does not act."
- Cartoon Evidence: Source N visually depicts superpowers ignoring conflicts while the UN struggles with inadequate tools, implying lack of political will and support.
- Security Council Divisions: Source M notes that "political divisions in the Security Council often delay decisive action," implying major power disagreement undermines effectiveness.
Other Factors Undermining Effectiveness (Nuance/Counter-argument):
- Structural/Resource Limitations: Source M highlights the lack of a standing army and reliance on voluntary contributions. Source N shows the UN with a "tiny water pistol" (inadequate resources/mandate).
- Mandate Issues: Source K mentions "mission creep" and lack of clear objectives in Somalia. Source M notes peacekeepers are deployed where "there is no peace to keep."
- Nature of Conflicts: Source I suggests the "new peacekeeping" (nation-building) is more complex than traditional monitoring, requiring more than just major power support.
- Initial Optimism: Source I shows that initially, the end of Cold War rivalry was seen as an opportunity for greater effectiveness, suggesting that the failure was not inevitable but a result of specific choices/failures later.
Conclusion: The sources strongly support the view that lack of major power support (particularly US reluctance after Somalia and inaction in Rwanda) was a critical factor undermining UN effectiveness. However, they also indicate that structural weaknesses (no standing army, vague mandates) and the changing nature of conflicts (internal vs. interstate) were also significant contributors. The lack of political will from major powers exacerbated these structural flaws, leading to failures in Somalia and Rwanda. Thus, while major power support was crucial, it was not the only factor.