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Date November 2017 Marks available 15 Reference code 17N.3op3.HL.TZ0.19
Level Higher level only Paper Paper 3 (History of Asia and Oceania) Time zone TZ0
Command term To what extent Question number 19 Adapted from N/A

Question

To what extent was the partition of the South Asian subcontinent in 1947 mainly a consequence of British policy?

Markscheme

Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the partition of the South Asian subcontinent in 1947 was mainly a consequence of British policy. While other relevant factors may be referred to, a significant amount of the response will remain focused on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the British rule of divide and rule and the effects of the Communal Award of 1931 and the Government of India Act of 1935. British policy under Mountbatten was to hasten British withdrawal from India as this contributed to partition. Candidates may also consider other factors such as the actions of the Indian National Congress leaders and their reluctance to adopt a more federal system of government. Jinnah and the Muslim League may also be discussed along with the development of the Two-nation theory.

Examiners report

[N/A]

Syllabus sections

HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 3: History of Asia and Oceania » 10: Nationalism and independence in India (1919–1964) » Impact of the Second World War: Chandra Bose; the Cripps Mission (1942); weakening of British power; Mountbatten; achievement of independence; reasons for the partition of the South Asian subcontinent (1947)
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 3: History of Asia and Oceania » 10: Nationalism and independence in India (1919–1964)
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 3: History of Asia and Oceania
HL options: first exams 2017

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