“Technological developments were not significant to the outcome of 20th century wars.” Discuss with reference to two wars.

Candidates are required to offer a considered and balanced review of the contributions that technological developments made to the outcome of two wars. They may adopt a comparative approach and discuss the importance of technological developments in each war, or they may choose to identify and rank a range of alternative factors. However, there is no prescribed response.

Note: The Cold War is not an admissible example.

Indicative content

• Candidates may analyse the impact of weaponry such as machine guns, tanks, flame-throwers, poison gas, atom and incendiary bombs, precision bombing missiles and napalm.
• Developments in transport, mobilization and weapon delivery such as railways, helicopters, aircraft carriers, rockets and submarines may be discussed.
• There may be assessment of the role of defensive and detection systems such as radar, sonar and anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems.
• Other factors may include strategies and tactics, numerical superiority, economic strength and fighting spirit.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]