PAPER 2 - TOPIC 1 (Causes, practices and effects of war)
War was a major feature of the 20th century. In this topic the various types of war should be identified, and the causes, nature, effects and results should be studied. Questions will be set on major themes. Some of these will require knowledge of two regions.
Major themes:

Different types of 20th century warfare
  • civil, guerrilla, limited, revolutionary
  • total war
Origins and causes of war
  • long-term and short-term causes, failure of diplomacy
  • economic, ideological, political, religious causes
Nature of 20th century wars
  • technological developments, tactics and strategies, air, land, sea
  • the home front, the role of women
  • resistance and revolutionary movements
Effects and results
  • treaties, and wars ending without treaties
  • political repercussions, territorial changes
  • social and cultural effects, changes in the status of women
  • post-war economic problems
Examples of material for detailed study
Candidates should study a selection from the material listed below, ensuring that two regions are included. Questions set on specific, named wars will be confined to those listed below. Alternative examples can be studied and used in answers to open-ended questions.

  • Chinese Civil War
IB questions that covers China in Paper 2 - Topic 1:
May 2003
Analyze the causes and results of one of the following: Chinese Civil War (1945-1949); Mexican Revolution (1910-1940); Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).

May 2003
“War causes more suffering to women than to men.” “War liberates women.” Using evidence from at least two wars explain which statement you consider is more appropriate. (The changing role of women in China before and after the Chinese Civil War is an excellent choice of one of the wars to these statements)

Nov. 2003
Compare and contrast the causes of two wars (excluding the First World War) each chosen from a different region. (This is a good opportunity to choose the Chinese Civil War as the war outside the European region)

Nov. 2003

Analyze the reasons for the outcome of one civil war. How did the outcome affect the country in which the war was fought?

May 2004

Analyze the results of two wars, each chosen from a different region. (the Chinese Civil War might be a good choice...)

May 2005
Examine the impact of foreign intervention on either the Chinese Civil War or the Spanish Civil War.

May 2005
Assess the social and economic causes of one twentieth century war (Chinese Civil War could be a good choice...)

Nov. 2005
To what extent do you agree with the view that war accelerates social change? (Chinese Civil War could be a good choice…)

Nov. 2005
Evaluate the contribution made towards the war effort by civilians on both the home front and the battle front in two wars, each chosen from a different region. (WWII or Chinese Civil Warcould be a good choice outside Europe)

Nov. 2005
Compare and contrast the reasons for, and impact of, foreign involvement in two of the following: Russian Civil War; Spanish Civil War; Chinese Civil War.