IB History SL case studies
IB History SL · Put your knowledge to work in context.
IB History SL is the standard-level course in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, assessed by external written examinations and internal assessment. It suits students who want a rigorous, evidence-based history course that rewards argument and source handling rather than memorised narrative alone. The IB History SL case studies are 5 cases and about 2,303 words.
1Paper 1: Evaluating Provenance on the Night of the Long Knives
Paper 1, 45 minutes remaining. The enquiry question is: 'How far did the Nazi regime face serious internal opposition in 1934?' You have four sources on the Night of the Long Knives.
513 words, about 3 min2Paper 2: Building a Comparative Thesis on Hitler and Mao
Paper 2, 40 minutes. Question: 'Compare and contrast the methods used by Hitler and Mao to consolidate their power.' Your one-page plan lists: Enabling Act 1933; Night of the Long Knives 1934; Reichstag Fire; Mao's Yan'an Rectification Movement 1942-44; land reform 1947-52; Campaign to Suppress Counterrevolutionaries 1950-51.
497 words, about 2 min3Paper 2: Interrogating 'Determine' in the Spanish Civil War
Paper 2, 50 minutes. Question: 'To what extent did foreign intervention determine the outcome of the Spanish Civil War?' Your notes: Germany sent the Condor Legion (about 5,000 personnel) and aircraft; Italy sent roughly 75,000 troops plus aircraft; the USSR sent advisers, tanks, aircraft and NKVD personnel; Britain and France pursued Non-Intervention; Mexico sold rifles; the International Brigades numbered about 35,000.
514 words, about 3 min4Paper 2: Criteria for Change in US-Soviet Relations
Paper 2 thematic essay, 45 minutes. Question: 'Evaluate the extent of change in relations between the USA and the USSR between 1945 and 1991.' Your timeline: Potsdam 1945; Berlin Blockade 1948-49; Cuban Missile Crisis 1962; detente and SALT 1972; INF Treaty 1987; collapse of the USSR 1991.
345 words, about 2 min5Historical Skills: Significance and Perspectives on Versailles
Your class is preparing a display: 'Was the Treaty of Versailles the most significant cause of the Second World War?' You have three statements. A German nationalist in 1919 calls the treaty a Diktat imposed by force.
434 words, about 2 min