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Date November 2020 Marks available 15 Reference code 20N.3op2.HL.TZ0.11
Level Higher level only Paper Paper 3 (History of the Americas) Time zone TZ0
Command term To what extent Question number 11 Adapted from N/A

Question

Section 6: Independence movements (1763–1830)

“The main reason for the Monroe Doctrine was to maintain Latin American Independence.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Markscheme

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the main reason for the Monroe Doctrine was to maintain the independence of Latin American nations. The Doctrine, stated by President James Monroe in 1823, warned that the US would not be favourable to any attempts by European powers to re-establish control over newly independent nations in Latin America. He also stated that the US would stay out of European affairs. Other reasons for the Doctrine could be the desire to preempt Great Britain from making a similar declaration, to protect American trade with Latin America and to establish Latin America as an American sphere of influence. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Examiners report

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the main reason for the Monroe Doctrine was to maintain the independence of Latin American nations. Very few candidates addressed the Monroe Doctrine with most showing adequate, though not thorough, knowledge and generally asserting that the US motives had only a limited intention of preserving independence for Latin American countries.

Syllabus sections

HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 2: History of the Americas » 6: Independence movements (1763–1830) » Attitude of the United States towards Latin American independence; nature of, and reasons for, the Monroe Doctrine
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 2: History of the Americas » 6: Independence movements (1763–1830)
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 2: History of the Americas
HL options: first exams 2017

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