Philip Allan Publishers © 2016

The USA’s Cold War in Asia

Exam focus: Edexcel

Elizabeth Francis

Philip Allan Publishers © 2016

Planning your essay

This resource provides an essay plan for a sample Edexcel-style question for 2H.2: The USA, 1955–92, conformity and challenge.The first step is to look at the question carefully.

‘The Vietnam War was the main reason for the development of a protest movement in the USA from 1963–72.’ How far do you agree with this statement?

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Introduction and conclusion

Introduction:• Demonstrate your contextual knowledge of the period• Show that you know there are two sides to this debate• State what your judgement is — to what extent was it

the main reason?

• In an essay question of this sort it is important to give a balanced argument with both sides of the argument shown

• You will need to explore the factor in the question as well as others factors

• You must reach a judgement

Conclusion:• Summarise the factors discussed• Make your judgement clear and make clear reference to

the question

‘The Vietnam War was the main reason for the development of a protest movement in the USA from 1963–72.’ How far do you agree with this statement? 

Arguments which agree

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Arguments which agree that the Vietnam War was the most important reason for the development of a protest movement in the USA from 1963–72• In the beginning the war was popular, but after full-scale escalation

the American population began to lose faith in the cause• The role of the media influenced the development of a protest

movement against the war in Vietnam• The role of returning veterans highlighting the horrors of war• Links to the student movement of the 1970s and the peace

counterculture — Kent State massacre• Links to the civil rights movement and the disproportionate number

of African Americans losing their lives — role of Martin Luther King and celebrities such as Muhammed Ali

• Woodstock and the link to the pacifist movement• The war catalysed a protest movement and also showed links to

other issues people found cause to protest about during this period• Links to spending on warfare

Start by giving arguments which

agree with the factor stated in

the question

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Arguments which disagree

Factors which suggest that it was reasons beyond the Vietnam War which contributed to the development of a protest movement• Civil rights — significance of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and

the Black Panthers, including the campaigns in Selma and Chicago

• The impact of the assassination of Martin Luther King• Protest and personal freedom — student protest, counterculture

and its key features• Growth of the women’s movement and the impact of sexual

liberalisation as well as the origins of gay rights• Johnson’s Great Society (1964–68) tackling poverty and

unemployment, improving housing and education, Medicare and Medicaid, civil rights laws, Johnson’s achievement — this demonstrated the impact of protest and the development of reform

• Nixon’s appeal and the attack he made on the Great Society

Then move onto arguments which are

against the factor given in the question.Each of these points can be explored in

detail