To what extent did popular support for the aims and ideology of one authoritarian/single-party leader contribute to the rise to power of that leader?

Candidates are required to consider the importance of aims and ideology in the rise to power of a leader but also other factors that may have been less, more or equally important. Candidates may discuss aims and ideology separately or together. Aims could be interpreted as the method for gaining public support because they may have been a more accessible way to communicate ideology.

Indicative content

Aims and ideology

• Candidates may begin by outlining the main aspects of the aims and ideology of the chosen leader and how this contributed to popular support.
• In some cases, it may be relevant to consider such factors as ultra-nationalism, economic reform or territorial ambitions in gaining support.
• Aims may include calls for the abandonment of unpopular governmental policies or diplomatic agreements. Similarly, some leaders called for specific changes to the economic structure of a state to alleviate hardship or the recovery of territory lost through war or the need to acquire new territory. These aims may have gained popular support or, alternatively, failed to resonate.

Other factors

• The use of force and intimidation may also have reduced opposition or created a climate of fear that encouraged support for a strong leader.
• Propaganda and the media may have been used to vilify opponents as well as to gain support.
• Circumstances such as poor economic conditions or weak government may have made aims and ideology more appealing.

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]