Examine the diplomatic effects of the Second World War up to 1945 in two countries of the Americas.

The question requires that candidates consider the interrelationship between the Second World War and diplomacy in two countries of the Americas. The most likely choices will be the United States and Canada, though Brazil, Mexico or Argentina might be chosen. Candidates may refer to the break in diplomatic relations with the Axis powers for most countries in the region. They may also refer to hemispheric cooperation agreements signed in 1939, 1940 and 1942, all of which were forerunners of the Rio Pact and eventually the Organization of American States (OAS). The US took actions against the Japanese in December 1941, allied with the Chinese and signed the Atlantic Charter. Candidates may refer to Canada’s immediate declaration of war on Germany, ties to the Allies and later to the US, and increased presence in diplomacy at the end of the war. Mexico and Brazil declared war on Germany in 1942, drawing both countries closer to the US. Argentina remained neutral until March 1945. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the interrelationship between the Second World War and diplomacy in two countries of the Americas. It offered very few focused responses. Diplomatic effects were addressed incidentally; there was limited specific knowledge on the Americas (largely focused on Europe); better treatment of the USA than the other country chosen (i.e. Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico) was observed.