Evaluate the importance of external factors in the growth of two independence movements, each from a different region.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the importance of external factors in the growth of two independence movements, weighing up the strengths and importance or otherwise. The two independence movements must be from different regions. The external factors may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may offer equal coverage of each independence movement, or they may prioritize their evaluation of one of them. However, both movements will be a feature of the response. Candidates may appraise the importance of external military help as a factor in fostering independence, for example, the role of France and Britain in the independence of Greece. Candidates may also appraise the importance of external economic interests, for example, US interests in the independence of Cuba. They may also refer to the importance of Cold War in the independence movements, for example in Angola. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the importance of external factors in the growth of two independence movements, each chosen from a different region. A few responses were seen, and, in better responses, some sound knowledge was demonstrated. Weaker responses failed to distinguish between internal and external factors, providing a narrative of factors that contributed to the growth of the movements.