A Level History
The purpose of this task is not to begin studying the A Level course in detail, but to start thinking like a historian. One of the most important skills at A Level is understanding that historians often disagree about the significance, causes and consequences of major events. This task is designed to introduce you to some of the most important debates of the twentieth century.
Twentieth Century Turning Points
Choose ONE of the following topics and use the suggested resources to explore it.
The Russian Revolution
• TIME – What the World Got Wrong About the Russian Revolution
• Johndclare.net – Chris Culpin on the Causes of the Russian Revolution
• Video – Crash Course – Russian Revolution and Civil War: Crash Course European History
The Rise of Nazi Germany
• The Atlantic – How Hitler's Enablers Undid Democracy in Germany
• John Clare History – How was Hitler able to become Chancellor?
• Video – Playlist – Weimar and Hitler's Rise
The Chinese Revolution
• History.com – Cultural Revolution
• TIME – What Xi Jinping Draws From Mao's Legacy
• Video – BBC – Mao's China: One Man's Revolution
The Civil Rights Movement in the USA
• History.com – Civil Rights Movement
• Video – Crash Course – Civil Rights Crash Course
The Cold War
• History.com – Cold War overview
• National WWII Museum: Cold Conflict
• Video – Crash Course US History – The Cold War
Suggested Summer Task
Use your chosen topic to produce a one-page response addressing the questions below.
• What happened?
• Why was it important?
• Why do historians still debate it today?
Presentation
You may present your work in any of the following formats:
• A short essay
• A magazine-style article
• An infographic
• A presentation slide
Please note: The aim is to explore an area of history that interests you and begin thinking about historical debate and interpretation before the course begins.