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Date May 2021 Marks available 15 Reference code 21M.3op2.HL.TZ0.28
Level Higher level only Paper Paper 3 (History of the Americas) Time zone TZ0
Command term To what extent Question number 28 Adapted from N/A

Question

Section 14: Political developments in Latin America (1945–1980)

“The liberation theology movement had a significant impact on Latin America.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Markscheme

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the liberation theology movement had a significant impact on Latin America. The impact may extend beyond the timeframe but it must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the extent to which liberation theology promoted and achieved change in Latin America. They may assess the impact of their base communities in the fight against poverty and, also, evaluate their work with indigenous communities. Candidates may evaluate the role played by the liberation theology movement in the defence of human rights in countries under military rule or dictatorships and assess the impact of the leaders in this struggle. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example the challenge posed by liberation theology to the Catholic Church by proposing a “popular church”, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Examiners report

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the liberation theology movement had a significant impact on Latin America. While there were a few exceptional responses there were a number of essays that demonstrated a misunderstanding of the phrase, leading to answers of little relevance.

Syllabus sections

HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 2: History of the Americas » 14: Political developments in Latin America (1945–1980) » Liberation theology in Latin America: origins, growth and impact
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 2: History of the Americas » 14: Political developments in Latin America (1945–1980)
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 2: History of the Americas
HL options: first exams 2017

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