World History
This domain covers the Renaissance, Reformation, major revolutions, the two World Wars, decolonisation and the Cold War. The exam tests causation, comparison and the ability to link ideas to political change.
Core concepts
- Renaissance: humanism, classical revival, perspective in art, printing press; Florence and patronage.
- Reformation: Luther’s 95 Theses (1517), justification by faith, vernacular Bible, Calvin’s Geneva, Counter-Reformation.
- Revolutions: American independence (1776), French Revolution (1789) and its radical phases, industrial and nationalist revolutions.
- World Wars: alliance systems, nationalism, militarism; WWI trench warfare and Versailles; WWII fascism, appeasement, Holocaust, atomic bomb.
- Decolonisation and Cold War: Asian and African independence; USA–USSR rivalry, NATO and Warsaw Pact, Non-Aligned Movement, 1989-91.
Worked example
“How did printing help the Reformation?” A strong answer explains that print spread Luther’s pamphlets and vernacular Bibles quickly, lowered the cost of controversy, and let readers challenge Church authority. The reasoning connects a technological change to ideas, literacy and politics rather than simply listing inventions.
Traps that cost marks
Avoid single-cause explanations for wars and revolutions. Do not equate the French Revolution with one phase or one leader. Keep WWII causes distinct from WWI alliances. Do not treat the Cold War as direct superpower combat.
Key points
- Renaissance humanism stressed human agency and classical texts.
- Luther’s challenge began a split within Western Christianity, not a single new church.
- The French Revolution passed through moderate, radical and reactionary phases.
- Both World Wars had deep structural causes beyond the immediate trigger.
- Cold War rivalry was fought through alliances, proxies, aid and propaganda.