Compare and contrast the involvement of two countries of the Americas in the Second World War.

The question requires that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences of the involvement of two countries of the Americas in the Second World War, referring to both throughout. Candidates may compare and contrast the countries’ diplomatic policies and their relations with belligerent nations. They may also compare and contrast the extent of involvement of both countries by, for example, referring to whether they declared war or remained neutral. They may compare and contrast the role played by the US to involve the selected countries in the Second World War. They may also compare and contrast the significance of the countries’ military contribution with reference to their contribution of troops, access to military bases or territory and contribution to equipment. Candidates may also compare and contrast the economic contributions to the war’s efforts by making reference to trade during the war. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences of the involvement of two countries of the Americas in the Second World War. This was a popular choice and was handled quite well by the majority of candidates. The US and Canada were the common choices of comparison but Mexico and Brazil also received some focus. While military events were most often the basis of comparison, mobilization, diplomacy and other factors were also properly compared.