“Other factors were more important than leadership in the success of independence movements.” Discuss with reference to two independence movements.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that other factors were more important than leadership in the success of two independence movements that may or may not be chosen from a different region. Candidates may discuss the campaign waged against the Unilateral Declaration of Independence in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe and argue that sustained guerrilla warfare was of more importance for success than the leadership of Mugabe. In Indochina, the military leadership of Giap and the political leadership of Ho Chi Minh may be seen as paramount against both the French and/or the US. The impact of the Second World War on independence movements in Francophone Africa or in British colonies in Asia may be considered and weighed against the importance of charismatic leaders or nascent demands for freedom and democracy. In Latin America, the importance of Bolívar, for example, may be weighed against weakening Spanish control in one or more of its colonies. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that other factors were more important than leadership in the success of two independence movements that may or may not be chosen from a different region. Some candidates struggled to choose suitable examples. Zimbabwe was a popular choice, as was India, although knowledge of leadership was mostly less than for other factors.