Shows
ActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionKennedy's "Alliance for Progress": reasons, successes, failuresThis episode considers the Alliance for Progress, a significant initiative of the Kennedy administration aimed at fostering economic and social development in Latin America during the Cold War. It provides a comprehensive overview of the programme's establishment, objectives as outlined in the Charter of Punta del Este, and its implementation, examining the roles of various actors like the US government, Latin American nations, and international organisations. Additionally, ir critically assess the successes and failures of the Alliance, considering factors such as political will, economic structures, and social reforms, alongside the ever-present context of US foreign policy and the threat of...
2025-05-2813 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionEisenhower's "New Look": features, reasons, successes, failuresConsiders the reasons for, and features of, Eisenhower's "New Look" in foreign policy. It then proceeds to consider successes and failures, with a particular focus on countries in the Americas (e.g. Guatemala, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Nixon's visit to Latin America).
2025-05-2418 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionTruman’s foreign policy in the Americas: successes and failuresThis podcast analyses the impact of Truman's containment policies on Latin America between 1947 and 1953. It argues that Truman, preoccupied with communism in Europe and Asia, prioritised military solutions and regional stability over economic aid and democratic progress in Latin America, fostering resentment. Initial positive sentiment following the Act of Chapultepec, which promised sovereignty, was soon undermined by interventions and the Rio Pact, pushing Latin American nations into an anti-communist stance without reciprocal benefits. The establishment of the OAS and the School of the Americas further solidified this approach, often supporting autocratic regimes. Despite a brief acknowledgement of socio-economic needs with...
2025-05-2013 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionHow successful was Castro as ruler of Cuba?This episode examines Fidel Castro's rule in Cuba, exploring his rise to power, the consolidation and maintenance of his authority, and the aims and impacts of his domestic and foreign policies from the revolution in 1959 into the post-Soviet era. They analyse the interplay of ideology, political control, economic strategies, social reforms (particularly in areas like health, education, and women's rights), cultural influence, and the treatment of opposition and minorities. Furthermore, the texts discuss Cuba's relationship with the United States and the Soviet Union, its role in international affairs, and the long-term consequences of Castro's leadership on Cuban society.
2025-05-1612 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionThe rise of Mao and Castro: comparisons and contrastsCompares and contrasts the methods and conditions which led to the rise to power of Mao in China (1949) and Castro in Cuba (1959), focusing on such themes as:Conditions > economic factorsConditions > social divisionConditions > impact of warConditions > weakness of political systemMethods > persuasion and propagandaMethods > coercion and forceMethods > the role of leadersMethods > Ideology
2025-05-1213 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionCold War Presidents c.1945-1975: Compared and ContrastedFocuses on comparing and contrasting SEVEN Cold War policies of each of the Presidents (Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon).This podcast is designed to accompany the decision-making simulation at ActiveHistory entitled "Which US President are YOU?" (activehistory.co.uk/presidents).This provides a great way to draw together key points for the "Cold War" section of Paper 2 IBDP History, as well as Paper 3 Americas for Higher Level.
2025-05-0825 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionHow successful was the League of Nations in the 1920s?Deals with each of the following subquestions:1. How far did weaknesses in the League’s aims, structure, organisation and membership make failure inevitable? 2. What successes did the League have with humanitarian work (refugees, health, working conditions), and why were these important? 3. How and why did the League try to secure disarmament in the 1920s, and why did these attempts fail?4. What were the Leagues most notable successes and failures with regard to border disputes (e.g. Vilna 1920, Aaland Islands 1920–21, Corfu 1923, Bulgaria 1925)?
2025-05-0423 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionWas the Treaty of Versailles Fair?Covers the subquestions:how different were motives and aims of the Big Three (Clemenceau, Lloyd George, Wilson) at Versailles?What were the key terms of the Versailles Treaty in terms of territory (Saar, Colonies, Rhineland, Alsace-Lorraine, Polish Corridor), reparations, armaments, war guilt and the League of Nations?Based on this, how far did each of the Big Three get what they wanted, and why?How and why did the Germans argue that the treaty was unfair?How, nevertheless, could the key terms of the Treaty be justified at the time?What was the Social, economic and political impact...
2025-04-3020 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionCauses for the Rise of Castro in CubaFocuses on the question: "What were the methods and conditions which led to Castro becoming ruler of Cuba in 1959?".It focuses on the following methods and conditions, as per the demands of the IBDP History Syllabus:Conditions > economic factorsConditions > social divisionConditions > impact of warConditions > weakness of political systemMethods > persuasion and propagandaMethods > coercion and force;Methods > the role of leadersMethods > Ideology
2025-04-2619 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionYouth Protest / Counterculture Movements in 1960s/70s Americas: Causes and Impact"Discuss the reasons for, and the impact of, youth protests in the 1960s and 1970s in the countries of the Americas". Focuses on three big themes: [1] feminism[2] civil rights and [3] anti-war protests. Considers CAUSES for the rise of such movements, their SUCCESSES and FAILURES.Although the podcast focuses on the USA, references are also made to Canada and Latin American countries too.
2025-04-2220 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionWas the Weimar Republic doomed from the outset?“Was the Weimar Republic doomed from the start?”Covers such things as:• How did Germany emerge from defeat at the end of the First World War?• What was the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on the Republic?• How far was the Weimar Constitution a source of weakness?o Why was proportional representation a weakness of the Weimar Constitution?o Why was Article 48 a weakness of the Weimar constitution?• Political disorder, 1919–23:o Left-wing > What did the Spartacists want to achieve? o Right-wing > Describe what happened...
2025-04-1815 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionWhat caused the First World War?Covers such topics as:• Did the Alliance System and global diplomacy make war more likely or less likely? • How far did colonial problems create tensions between the Great Powers? • Why were problems in the Balkans so difficult for the Great Powers to solve? • How did the assassination of Franz Ferdinand lead to war?
2025-04-1416 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionHow and why did the Cold War come to an end?The hosts primarily explore the reforms initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev within the Soviet Union and the multifaceted factors contributing to the end of the Cold War. Gorbachev's policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (economic restructuring) aimed to address political and socio-economic issues within the USSR and ease international tensions. The podcast also examines the arms race between the US and the Soviet Union, alongside the revolutions in Eastern Europe and the symbolic fall of the Berlin Wall as critical elements in this historical shift. Ultimately, the documents suggest a complex interplay of internal Soviet reforms and external pressures that led to the di...
2025-04-1017 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionUS-USSR Détente: Causes and Significance, 1971-1979"Evaluate the causes for, and significance of, the policy of detente between the US and USSR between 1971 and 1979"The podcast covers the following factors:Economic > the financial benefits of reducing arms expenditure for a US drained by the Vietnam War and for a USSR that faced a stalled economy and weak satellite states.Military > both countries were deeply aware of their nuclear capabilities (MAD: mutually assured destruction), and having achieved parity, were more prepared to discuss arms limitation. Politically > (a) the US potential gain from the Sino–Soviet split by fostering se...
2025-04-0613 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionTruman and Stalin: Cold War Leaders Compared and ContrastedA key focal point of IBDP Paper 2 History. The Cold War, a geopolitical struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union, shaped global politics for nearly half a century. At its core, the Cold War was a battle of ideologies, with President Harry S. Truman representing democratic capitalism and Premier Joseph Stalin embodying communist authoritarianism. Both leaders played crucial roles in the conflict, particularly in shaping early Cold War events. By examining two key similarities and two primary differences in their approaches, this essay explores the significance of their leadership in shaping the course of the...
2025-04-0213 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionKennedy and Khrushchev: Cold War Leaders Compared and ContrastedThis podcast examines the intertwined roles of US President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in shaping the Cold War. Both leaders are shown to have escalated tensions, particularly during the Berlin and Cuban Missile Crises, but they also took steps towards de-escalation through diplomatic channels and agreements. The texts contrast their leadership styles and approaches to ideological expansion, with Khrushchev often seen as more impulsive and Kennedy as more calculated. Ultimately, the sources suggest that their complex interactions defined a critical period of the Cold War, highlighting both the dangers of confrontation and the necessity of dialo...
2025-03-2816 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionRed Scare: Causes and SignificanceA fantastic topic of Study for Paper 3 Americas in the IBDP History Syllabus. This podcast covers the causes and impact of the Red Scare.
2025-03-2414 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionSuez Crisis: Causes and ConsequencesInvestigates the question "What were the causes and consequences of the Suez Crisis?"Part 1 - Causes: e.g. Aggression / Mistrust / Ideology. Part 2 - Consequences: e.g. economic / social / political / cultural / military factors.
2025-03-2016 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionBerlin Blockade: Causes and ConsequencesThe first half focuses on the causes, the second half on the consequences, of the Berlin Blockade.Part 1 - Causes: Focuses on Aggression / Mistrust / Ideology. Part 2 - Consequences: Focuses on economic / social / political / cultural / military factors.Reference to different historians and the orthodox / revisionist / post-revisionist schools of history are outlined.
2025-03-1715 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionTo what extent did the policy of peaceful co-existence improve superpower relations up to and including 1964?Investigates the degree to which the policy of peaceful co-existence improved superpower relations up to and including 1964, with a focus on such events as:• 1947 - Truman Doctrine / Marshall Plan• 1948 - Berlin Blockade• 1950-53 – Korean War• 1958 -61 – Berlin Crisis• 1962 – Cuban Missile Crisis
2025-03-1415 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionWas Hitler a Gambler, or a Planner, in foreign affairs?Investigates the question "Was Hitler a gambler, or a planner, in foreign affairs?".Makes references to AJP Taylor and Hugh Trevor-Roper in particular, and finds evidence on both sides of the argument, considering:Remilitarisation of the RhinelandAnschlussSudeten Crisis, Munich ConferenceInvasion of CzechoslovakiaNazi-Soviet PactInvasion of Poland.
2025-03-1116 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionWhat was the impact of the US policy of containment on superpower relations 1947 - 1964?This podcast examines the impact of the US policy of containment on superpower relations 1947 - 1964. In the IB exam, 1947 is the Truman Doctrine; 1964 is the end of the Khrushchev era. Rather than provide a narrative account of key events, it instead considers the following, and gives a judgement on how each one impacted upon Superpower relations.• 1947 - Truman Doctrine / Marshall Plan• 1948 - Berlin Blockade• 1950-53 – Korean War. • 1958 -61 – Berlin Crisis• 1962 – Cuban Missile Crisis
2025-03-0912 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionWhat were the causes of the Cold War?The Origins of the Cold War is a central topic for IB Paper 2. Thispodcast will cover the breakdown of the grand alliance and the emergence of superpower rivalry in Europe and Asia (1943–1949). It will compare and contrast the roles of the US (especially) and the USSR (especially Stalin).It pays attention to the role of ideology; fear and aggression; and economic interests. Key thinkers such as Gaddis are mentioned, as are the differing views of orthodox, revisionist and post-revisionist historians.
2025-03-0617 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionTwo Cold War Crises: Compared and Contrasted (Berlin 1961, Cuba 1962)Two Cold War Crises: Compared and Contrasted (Berlin 1961, Cuba 1962)Designed for: IBDP History students (P2 Cold War, P3 Americas)ActiveHistory Topic Page:https://www.activehistory.co.uk/ib-history/Overview:Paper 2 essay questions in IBDP history often ask students to compare and contrast the causes or consequences of two cold war crises in different regions, or the role of leaders within them. This podcast provides essential tips on how to structure such essays, using the Berlin Crisis of 1961...
2025-02-1613 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionCuban Missile Crisis, 1962: Causes and Significance"What were the causes and consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis?". Designed for: IBDP History Students (P2, Cold War; P3 Americas). ActiveHistory Topic Page:https://www.activehistory.co.uk/Miscellaneous/menus/IB/americas/jfk.phpOverview:This podcasts stresses that the Cuban Missile Crisies is a great example of a Cold War crisis for Paper 2 IBDP history, as it also brings in two cold war leaders: Kennedy and Khrushchev. It focuses on the CAUSES of the crisis (and who was perhaps most to blame for it); how close it...
2025-02-1515 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionThe Berlin Crisis, 1961: Causes and SignificanceWhat were the causes and consequences of the Berlin Crisis of 1961?Designed for: IBDP History students (Paper 2 Cold War Crisis).ActiveHistory Topic Page:https://www.activehistory.co.uk/Miscellaneous/menus/IB/americas/jfk.phpOverview:The events leading up to the building of the Berlin Wall in 1961 is a great example of a Cold War crisis for Paper 2 IBDP history, as it also brings in two cold war leaders: Kennedy and Khrushchev. This podcast is on the CAUSES of the crisis (and who was perhaps most to...
2025-02-1511 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionSourcework: Essential Skills for IBDP Paper 1"How should students approach each of the questions in the Sourcework Paper?"Designed for: IBDP History students, Paper 1 (sourcework) ActiveHistory Topic Page: https://www.activehistory.co.uk/ib-history/Overview: This guide focuses on equipping students with the skills to analyse historical sources within the context of the IB History Paper 1 examination. It uses the topic of "Rights and Protest," specifically the civil rights movement in the United States (1954-1965) and apartheid in South Africa (1948-1964), as case studies. The resource provides methods for interpreting sources, understanding their value and limitations, and synthesising information fr...
2025-02-1515 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionUS Civil Rights Struggle, c.1954-1965"What were the aims and achievements of the US Civil Rights Movement c.1954-1965?" Designed for: IBDP History Students (Paper 1, Rights and Protest; P3 Americas). ActiveHistory Topic Page: https://www.activehistory.co.uk/Miscellaneous/menus/IB/civil_rights/ Overview: The podcast outlines the African American Civil Rights Movement, focusing on the period up to 1965. The hosts detail the long-standing oppression of African Americans, from slavery to segregation, and the struggle for equality. Significant events, such as the Montgomery bus boycott and the Little Rock Nine, are examined alongside the...
2025-02-1514 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionApartheid South Africa, 1948-1964"Why was Apartheid introduced in 1948? What was its impact? How effectively was it resisted in the years up to 1964?"Designed for: IBDP History students, Paper 1 (Rights and Protest - Apartheid South Africa). ActiveHistory topic page:https://www.activehistory.co.uk/Miscellaneous/menus/IB/apartheid_south_africaOverview: This podcast explores South Africa's history, culture, and the impact of apartheid. It includes excerpts from short stories and personal accounts, revealing the everyday realities of life in South Africa during this period. These na...
2025-02-1512 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionRule of Mao and Castro, compared and contrasted"Compare and contrast the rule of two dictators from two different regions"Designed for: IBDP History Paper 2 (Rule of Authoritarian States)ActiveHistory Topic Page: https://www.activehistory.co.uk/ib-history/Overview:This podcast, based around the revision exercises by Russel Tarr at www.activehistory.co.uk, compares and contrasts the authoritarian rule of Mao Zedong in China and Fidel Castro in Cuba across various facets of governance. It examines their use of force, political strategies including democratic centralism, and cultural control through propaganda and censorship. The podcast also explores their social...
2025-02-1433 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionFeminism and the Americas: Causes and Impact"Why, and with what results, did feminist movements emerge in the Americas after 1945?"Designed for: IBDP (Paper 3 Americas - Civil Rights and social movements in the Americas post-1945)ActiveHistory Topic Page:https://www.activehistory.co.uk/Miscellaneous/menus/IB/americas/feminism.phpOverview: This podcast focuses on the causes for the rise of feminism in the Americas after World War Two, and the extent of its impact upon the lives of women.
2025-02-1219 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionCastro's policies towards women: aims, successes, failures"Analyse the impact of Castro's policies upon the lives of women".Designed for: IBDP History students (P2: Rule of Authoritarian States; P3: Political developments in Latin America, 1945- 1980)ActiveHistory Topic Page: https://www.activehistory.co.uk/Miscellaneous/menus/IB/castro/index-rule.phpOverview: This podcast focuses particularly on the impact upon women of Castro's regime, which is a popular point of focus in Paper 2 especially.
2025-02-1221 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionKorean War: Causes"What were the causes of the Korean War?"Designed for:IBDP History students (P2: Causes, Practices, Effects of War; P2: Cold War Crises; P3: Cold War and the Americas).ActiveHistory Topic Page:https://www.activehistory.co.uk/Miscellaneous/menus/GCSE/Korean_War.phpOverview:This podcast examines the origins and causes of the Korean War, exploring the complex interplay of domestic Korean politics and Cold War superpower rivalries. The hosts cover various perspectives, from the initial North Korean invasion to theories of American provocation and Soviet manipulation. A key th...
2025-02-1215 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionRed Scare: Causes and Impact"What were the causes and consequences of the Red Scare in 1950s America?"Designed for: Higher Level IBDP History: Paper 3 (History of the Americas).ActiveHistory Topic Page: https://www.activehistory.co.uk/Miscellaneous/menus/IB/red_scare.phpOverview: This podcast examines the pervasive impact of McCarthyism and the Cold War on American society and politics from the late 1940s through the 1950s. It explores how the fear of communism fuelled widespread suspicion, eroded civil liberties, and stifled dissent. The hosts discuss the actions of key figures like Joseph McCarthy and J. Edgar Ho...
2025-02-1214 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionKorean War: Significance for two countries of the AmericasThis podcast is designed for IBDP students covering History of the Americas for Paper 3, and seeks to answer the question "What was the significance of the Korean War for two countries of the Americas?" - namely, the USA and Canada.The podcast draws upon the materials available at ActiveHistory here:https://www.activehistory.co.uk/Miscellaneous/menus/GCSE/Korean_War.php
2025-02-1213 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionMao's Rule of China: Aims, successes, failuresA podcast covering the key bullet points of the IBDP History Syllabus, based around the scheme of work at www.activehistory.co.uk:Consolidation and maintenance of power• Use of legal methods; use of force; charismatic leadership; dissemination of propaganda• Nature, extent and treatment of opposition• The impact of the success and/or failure of foreign policy on the maintenance of powerAims and results of policies• Aims and impact of domestic economic, political, cultural and social policies• The impact of policies on women and minorities...
2025-02-1232 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionHistoriography in IBDP HistoryThis podcast investigates how IBDP History students can make use of historiography in their written work. It considers key themes and insights from excerpts of works by E.H. Carr, John Lewis Gaddis, John Tosh, and John Lukacs. These historians offer diverse perspectives on the nature of history, its relationship to other disciplines, and the role of the historian.For a worksheet, teacher notes and an interactive quiz based around this podcast, go to:www.activehistory.co.uk/podcasts
2025-02-1119 minActiveHistory: IBDP History RevisionThe Rise of Mao Zedong: The Chinese Civil WarA key topic for Paper 2 (Rise of Authoritarian Rulers AND Causes, Practices, Effects of War).For an accompanying worksheet, teacher notes and an interactive quiz based on this podcast, visit: https://www.activehistory.co.uk/podcasts/
2025-02-1117 min