| Date | November 2016 | Marks available | 20 | Reference code | 16N.3op2.HL.TZ0.17 |
| Level | Higher level only | Paper | Paper 3 (History of the Americas) | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Evaluate | Question number | 17 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Evaluate the extent to which the domestic policies of one Latin American leader during the period from 1945 to 1979 were populist.
Markscheme
Candidates will need to select one leader within the given period and determine the extent to which his policies had populist features. In doing so, they may offer a definition of “populism” against which to evaluate the social, political and economic policies. Fidel Castro and Juan Peron will likely be popular choices but allow any other relevant leader.
Note: Latin American populism could be defined as the rule of an often-charismatic politician who sought support from the people by basing government policies on the idea of a popular will in conflict with “the elite”. Policies were directed at gaining popular support by addressing social and economic inequalities.
Indicative content
Political policies
- There were varying levels of authoritarianism in governments.
- Leaders claimed to represent the rights of social classes such as urban workers, and the industrial bourgeoisie, which had been overlooked until then.
- Some leaders created a more centralized state with larger bureaucracies.
Social policies
- Women were granted new rights and roles in society.
- Education and health policies were instituted.
Economic policies
- Appeals to nationalism were common and to a desire for economic independence and nationalization of resources.
- Redistributive wealth policies based on an increase in public expense and debt and the redistribution of land could be considered.
- Industrialization and import substitution policies were used in several cases.
- State corporations were created to improve economic growth.
- High levels of public expenditures were used to stimulate the economy.
- Price controls were instituted.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners 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]
