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Date May 2021 Marks available 15 Reference code 21M.3op4.HL.TZ0.36
Level Higher level only Paper Paper 3 (History of Europe) Time zone TZ0
Command term Compare and contrast Question number 36 Adapted from N/A

Question

Section 18: Post-war central and eastern Europe (1945–2000)

Compare and contrast the impact of opposition to Soviet control in two countries between 1968 and 1989.

Markscheme

The question requires that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences between two countries when considering the impact of opposition to Soviet control. There does not need to be an equal number of each. Candidates may refer to the role and ability of national leaders to remain in office, the consequences of the intervention of the Soviet military forces, when there were attempts to leave the Warsaw Pact (Czechoslovakia 1968). Candidates may consider the role of strong national leaders and trade union groups from industrial cities such as Solidarity in Poland. There may be some discussion of the extent of political reforms by national governments because of discontent with Soviet control. There should be a clear focus on the impact of opposition, with some discussion as to whether it led to more or less Soviet control. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Examiners report

The question required that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences between two countries when considering the impact of opposition to Soviet control between 1968 and 1989. Few responses were seen to this question. Czechoslovakia and Poland were both discussed successfully in some cases with relevant knowledge provided.

Syllabus sections

HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 4: History of Europe » 18: Post-war central and eastern Europe (1945–2000) » Acceptance of, and opposition to, Soviet control in central and eastern Europe (1968–1989): East Germany; Poland; Hungary and Czechoslovakia; Romania and Bulgaria; role of Walesa and Havel
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 4: History of Europe » 18: Post-war central and eastern Europe (1945–2000)
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 4: History of Europe
HL options: first exams 2017

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