Discuss the importance of race to the origins and rise of independence movements in two states.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the importance of race to the origins and rise of independence movements. The two states may or may not be from a different region. Candidates may discuss causes that predate or extend beyond the timeframe, but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may discuss Zimbabwe/Rhodesia and the spur given to independence by the imposition of the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) that served to entrench racial discrimination in the form of apartheid. Similarly, candidates may discuss the emergence of the independence movement in India and the impact of events such as the Jallianwala Bagh (Amritsar) massacre, which highlighted a disregard for the population, and which may have been racially inspired. Haiti, where racial issues were central, is also appropriate, as although the revolution predated the timeframe, it achieved independence in 1804. Other relevant factors to be discussed may include the imposition of sanctions or the use of force by either the supporters or opponents of independence, but with a focus on the issue in the question. 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 importance of race to the origins and rise of independence movements. Few responses were seen to this question, and many of these used inappropriate examples such as apartheid in post-independent South Africa or the issue of slavery in the US War of Independence, which is outside the timeframe for this Topic.