Examine the importance of foreign intervention on the success of independence movements in the Americas.

The question requires that candidates consider the interrelationship between foreign intervention and the success of independence movements in the Americas. Results may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to foreign contributions in terms of troops and navy and evaluate their impact on military campaigns and naval warfare. Candidates may also argue that the expansion of conflict as a result of foreign intervention weakened the colonial power, which was forced to over-extend its military forces, draining economic resources. Other relevant interrelationships may be considered, for example the training provided by foreign powers to local troops that impacted their success, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The importance of foreign intervention to the success of independence movements was not often selected and seldom produced essays of excellent quality. The common focus was on the role of the French in the American Revolution. However, content knowledge was mostly superficial and brief.