Question
Evaluate the extent to which the domestic policies of one Latin American leader during the period from 1945 to 1979 were populist.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates will need to select one leader within the given period and determine the extent to which his policies had populist features. In doing so, they may offer a definition of “populism” against which to evaluate the social, political and economic policies. Fidel Castro and Juan Peron will likely be popular choices but allow any other relevant leader.
Note: Latin American populism could be defined as the rule of an often-charismatic politician who sought support from the people by basing government policies on the idea of a popular will in conflict with “the elite”. Policies were directed at gaining popular support by addressing social and economic inequalities.
Indicative content
Political policies
• There were varying levels of authoritarianism in governments.
• Leaders claimed to represent the rights of social classes such as urban workers, and the industrial bourgeoisie, which had been overlooked until then.
• Some leaders created a more centralized state with larger bureaucracies.
Social policies
• Women were granted new rights and roles in society.
• Education and health policies were instituted.
Economic policies
• Appeals to nationalism were common and to a desire for economic independence and nationalization of resources.
• Redistributive wealth policies based on an increase in public expense and debt and the redistribution of land could be considered.
• Industrialization and import substitution policies were used in several cases.
• State corporations were created to improve economic growth.
• High levels of public expenditures were used to stimulate the economy.
• Price controls were instituted.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
Evaluate the impact of one military regime in Latin America between 1945 and 1979. Note: Castro’s Cuba is not an appropriate example for this question.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are required make an appraisal of the impact of one military regime in Latin America during the specified time period. The impact could be political, economic and social.
Indicative content
• Military regimes came to power through a coup d’état in most Latin American countries at some time during this period.
• Popular examples might be Argentina, Brazil, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Paraguay or Uruguay.
• Military regimes differed greatly during this time period. Some were very oppressive while others were almost populist in nature.
• Impact will differ depending on the country that is chosen. Areas that could be examined might be political stability, economic growth, treatment of minorities, foreign policy, education, church relations, land reform, income distribution and civil rights.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
“Despite Nixon’s reputation as a conservative politician, his domestic policies and actions reflect substantial reform.” Discuss.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are required to offer a considered and balanced review of the statement. They may utilise the ample evidence that can be applied to support the position stated, or they may deploy the considerable knowledge that is also available to contest the viewpoint. Regardless of the position chosen, the focus must be on Nixon’s domestic policies and actions, encompassing January 1969 to his resignation in August 1974.
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In support of the statement:
• Under the concept of the “New Federalism”, Nixon’s administration attempted to shift much of the responsibility for social programmes to state and local governments. This action was claimed as a “reform” by the administration, in that it gave communities more control over how the money was spent.
• Nixon attempted to thwart Congressional control over social policy by impounding (not spending) appropriations for programmes of which he disapproved.
• Nixon supported the expansion of Lyndon B Johnson’s “Great Society” welfare programmes by increased funding for food stamps, Medicare, and Aid to Families with Dependent Children. He created the Supplemental Security Income programme to aid the indigent and disabled, and indexed Social Security to protect seniors from inflation.
• By initiating the “Philadelphia Plan”, the Nixon administration expanded the concept of affirmative action.
• Nixon supported environmental reform by initiating the Environment Protection Agency (1970) and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (1970). He also approved the Clean Air Act (1970) and the Endangered Species Act (1973).
In opposition to the statement:
• Nixon’s “Southern strategy” to achieve re-election by politically dominating the South and appealing to the “silent majority” included attempts to delay integration, portray anti-war protestors as “un-American” and appeal to “states’ rights”.
• Nixon attempted to change the philosophical nature of the Supreme Court by appointing conservative justices who would apply a strict interpretation of the Constitution.
• The application of ‘New Federalism’ often overwhelmed the resources of state and local government and in some cases caused a reduction of social welfare programmes.
• While resigning prior to his probable impeachment, Nixon’s actions related to the Watergate cover-up demonstrated many examples of abuse of executive authority.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
To what extent did political repression contribute to Fidel Castro’s retention of power up to 1979?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are required to consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that repression by Fidel Castro explained his long tenure. Other policies and methods utilised may be used as context or to challenge the statement.
Indicative content
Role of repression:
• Batistianos and other political opponents were executed.
• Committees for the Defence of the Revolution (CDRs) monitored and reported on local populations.
• Censorship was used to control the populace and spread ideology, as was propaganda.
• Show trials and other violations of human rights such as forced labour camps (Military Units to Aid Production, UMAPs) and labour files for citizens were further controls on the people.
Other factors:
• Social and economic reforms were aimed at improving living conditions (for example the Agrarian Reform).
• Improvements in health and education acted to consolidate support for Castro.
• Castro’s readiness to allow opponents to leave Cuba at different times removed potential opposition.
• Castro’s own charisma and his flexibility in introducing changes were both significant.
• External pressure (for example, the Bay of Pigs; the US embargo) was counter-productive and increased support for Castro.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so