Topic study hub

The Superpower, 1945–1975 (A-level only)

crises and the rise to World Power, 1920–1975 (A-level: The Superpower, 1945–1975 (A-level only)

Objectives

Flashcards

Questions

90 min

Study time

AqaA LevelHistory1K The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975

Choose a revision tool

Start revising The Superpower, 1945–1975 (A-level only)

Quick active recall practice

Quick multiple-choice practice

Mixed practice and exam-style prompts

Syllabus checklist

6 objective pages available

The Superpower, 1945–1975 (A-level only)6 objectives

Domestic politics: Truman, Eisenhower and post-war reconstruction.
Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon; New Frontier; the Great Society; Nixon and Republican revival.
Economic change and developments: the rise of the consumer society and economic boom.
Ideological, social, regional and ethnic divisions: McCarthyism; civil rights; youth culture; protest and the mass media.
The USA and international relations: the Cold War and relations with the USSR and China; the Vietnam War.
The USA by 1975: its place as a Superpower; the limits of social cohesion; new cultural developments, including the role of women and the position of African-Americans.

Fair DealCivil Rights MovementDétenteCivil Rights Act of 1964ConsumerismEconomic BoomMcCarthyismContainment

Use specific examples in your answers: Always support your arguments with specific historical examples.
Use specific examples in your answers: When discussing policies or events, always back up your points with specific examples to demonstrate your understanding.

Confusing Truman's policies with those of FDR: Remember that the Fair Deal was Truman's initiative, building on but distinct from FDR's New Deal.
Confusing the New Frontier with the Great Society: Clearly distinguish between the two: the New Frontier focused on initial reforms under Kennedy, while the Great Society expanded these efforts under Johnson, particularly in civil rights and social welfare.

Choose a learning objective

Objectives are grouped by subtopic so students can jump straight to the exact skill they want to revise.