Evaluate the factors, excluding leadership, that led to the success of one independence movement.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the factors, excluding leadership, that led to the success of one independence movement, weighing up their strengths and importance or otherwise. Factors may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the role of nationalism in the success of the independence movement, for example, in the independence of Ireland. They may consider the weakness of the colonial power and appraise its importance, for example the situation of the Ottoman Empire and the independence of Greece. Candidates may argue the importance of military strategies or guerrillas for the success, for example in the Algerian War of Independence. They may refer to foreign interests and military or economic help, for example in the independence of Cuba. Other factors may include, for example racial, ethnic or religious conflicts. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the factors, excluding leadership, that led to the success of one independence movement. India was a popular example although candidates tended to describe the campaigns led by Gandhi, without referring directly to him. There were some good, knowledgeable responses, however, demonstrating sound knowledge and understanding of the demands of the question.