The main aim of this booklet is to exemplify standards for those teaching Cambridge International AS & A Level History 9489 and to show examples of very good answers. This booklet contains answers to Specimen Paper 1 – Questions 1(a), 2(b) and 3(b), which have been marked by a Cambridge examiner. Each response is accompanied by a brief commentary explaining its strengths and weaknesses of the answer. These examiner comments indicate where and why marks were awarded and how answers could have been improved. These answers should be considered in conjunction with Specimen Paper 1 and the Mark Scheme. The Specimen Paper and Mark Scheme are available to download from School Support Hub.

In July 1642, England finally descended into civil war after years of political wrangling and empty promises between Parliament and King Charles I. The two sides had disagreed over money, religion, and how political power should be distributed. The opposing sides became known as the ‘Roundheads’ (Parliamentarians) and ‘Cavaliers’ (Royalists). During the early years of war, most Parliamentarians merely wanted to force the king to see the error of his ways and have some of his powers curbed by Parliament. It was not, as yet, an objective to abolish the monarchy.

Whereas the French had more than 900 heavy guns, the British had barely half this number for a wider front. Additional handicaps were recounted in the History of the Great War Based on Official Documents (British Official History), which states that the problem that confronted British Commander in Chief Douglas Haig was, fundamentally, that of “storming a fortress…It must be confessed that the problem was not appreciated at G.H.Q. (general headquarters).” Instead, “the failures of the past were put down to reasons other than the stout use of the machine-gun by the enemy and his scientifically-planned defences.”

Why are there different interpretations of the Spanish Empire? A focus on the Aztecs

A presentation of the following in the Arab World : 1.Agriculture resources 2.Oil and Oil production 3.Trade 4.Industry 5.Animal products

Trade today plays an important role in the economy of the Arab World, especially with the increase in wealth due to oil production and the ease of the communications with the rest of the world. Commercial exchange between the arab countries obviously depends on exporting and importing. This is divided into two main sections

The prophet Mohammed (PBUH) was sent to bring a message of mercy to all the human beings. The message of islam began to spread from Mecca to Al- Hijaz, it then spread outside the Arab Peninsula reaching the entire world. But when some rulers refused to tell their people about islam, the Muslims began to move towards these regions. The people were given a free choice to join islam or to stick to their own beliefs. The messengers of islam were able to spread the message of islam peacefully. Pious followers of the Prophet settled in the mosques and began to teach Islam to the people. In other countries Islam had little or no impact. This was largely because of the strong beliefs that people already had.

Maximilien François Marie Isidore de Robespierre was a French lawyer and statesman who became one of the best-known, influential, and controversial figures of the French Revolution. As a member of the Estates-General, the Constituent Assembly, and the Jacobin Club, he campaigned for universal manhood suffrage, the right to vote for people of color, Jews, actors, and domestic staff

Slavery Industrial Revolution Short Questions and Long Questions with a PEE paragraph Q. Marking scheme included

“A nuclear deterrent… Because that always calms everything right down.” (Tony Stark)

Describe and evaluate the development of Fenianism within the Irish Diaspora. It was fuelled ambitiously by a nationalist ideological nature and indeed evolved from pre-existing movements drilled by revolutionary inspirations. The Fenian movement is well documented despite being viewed as an illegal organisation. It can be suggested that the Fenian movement blossomed from the decay of the Young Irelanders and flourished from its influences based on the continents struggles for freedom during a period of (which was known as) the ‘springtime of the people’.

Learn about Anglo Saxon Culture. Lesson attached with video.

A powerpoint on the Anglo Saxons Artefacts. Ideal for year 7 and 8 KS3

Learn about what the Anglo Saxon people believed in . Ideal for KS3

The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was a philosophical movement in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. At its core was a belief in the use and celebration of reason, the power by which humans understand the universe and improve their own condition. The goals of rational humanity were considered to be knowledge, freedom, and happiness.

The outbreak of the English civil wars between royalists and parliamentarians in 1642 led to the execution of the English king, Charles I, on January 30th 1649. Horrified by this, hundreds of English royalists fled to Ireland to regroup. The English parliament was now encircled by threats from Scotland and Ireland. Both declared their loyalty to Charles Stuart (Charles I’s son), while England became a republic and appointed Cromwell as lord lieutenant of Ireland.

A lesson on the British Empire- History, geography. Lesson plan with activities and plenary

On July 14th 1789, a crowd of several thousand people laid siege to the Bastille, a royal fortress, prison and armoury in eastern Paris. After a standoff of several hours, they gained access to the Bastille, overwhelmed its guards and murdered its governor. The fall of the Bastille was chiefly symbolic. The French Revolution would have days of greater political significance. Despite this, the fall of the Bastille has shaped our perceptions of the French Revolution, giving us powerful images of an outraged people in revolution.

A detailed lessons regarding the Anglo Saxons. Perfect for KS3

Get a detailed account of the French Revolution. Ideal for KS3 and KS4