| Date | November 2016 | Marks available | 20 | Reference code | 16N.3op2.HL.TZ0.22 |
| Level | Higher level only | Paper | Paper 3 (History of the Americas) | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Evaluate | Question number | 22 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Evaluate the factors that led to the emergence of a counterculture in the 1960s and 1970s in the Americas.
Markscheme
Candidates are required to appraise the reasons for the development of a counterculture in the given period. A possible starting point could be a definition of “counterculture” as a social movement mainly led by the youth and which challenged traditional values and ways of life. Candidates may choose one country or refer to a range of countries in their responses.
Indicative content
- For the US, the impact of political events such as the Civil Rights movement, the war in Vietnam, the arms race, and dissatisfaction with government might be seen as causes.
- Opposition to the “corporate world” and its injustices led to escapism and retreatism.
- The impact of philosophical and political ideas associated with social revolutions and revolutionaries, such as Che Guevara, both in life and death, could be considered.
- For Latin America, the military dictatorships’ repressive policies led to the development of local countercultural political and artistic movements that challenged the status quo.
- Tlatelolco, Mexico (1968) was inspired by student revolts in cities such as Paris and Prague and contributed to public demonstrations in demand for social and political changes in other Latin American cities.
- The role of students and student movements in defying what they perceived as a conservative model that needed change could be included
- Interest increased in issues related to environmentalism, feminism and the sexual revolution.
- The media became more accessible to individuals and groups to challenge established values with their literary and artistic productions.
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]
