“Violent methods were essential to the achievement of independence.” Discuss with reference to two states.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that violent methods were essential to the achievement of independence. The two states may or may not be from the same region. Events discussed may predate or extend beyond the timeframe, but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may discuss the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 and how this was to influence the Historic Compromise of 1867 that elevated the role of Hungary within the Austrian Empire. The formation of guerrilla bands in post-UDI Rhodesia may also be discussed and linked to the achievement of independence in 1980. The failure of Cuban nationalists to achieve independence prior to the Spanish–American War of 1898 may also be discussed to support the statement. The impact of non-violence as a method to push forward the campaign for independence in India may be discussed as might the granting of independence to colonies such as Nigeria or Ghana, which was influenced by the changing views of the state and society. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that violent methods were essential to the achievement of independence. There were some good responses seen to this question with examples such as the French-Indochinese War, the Vietnam War and with the Algerian War of Independence being popular. There were few challenges to the assertion in the question but overall, knowledge was accurate and used effectively to support arguments.