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

Common mistakes

• Confusing Truman's policies with those of FDR

  Students often mix up the Fair Deal with the New Deal.

  Fix itRemember 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

  Students often mix up the goals and programs of Kennedy's New Frontier with Johnson's Great Society.

  Fix itClearly 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.

• Confusing economic growth with consumerism

  Students often conflate the concepts of economic growth and consumerism, failing to recognize that while they are related, they are not the same.

  Fix itClarify that economic growth refers to the overall increase in economic activity, while consumerism specifically relates to the cultural emphasis on purchasing goods.

• Confusing McCarthyism with general anti-communism

  Students often conflate McCarthyism with broader anti-communist sentiments, failing to recognize its specific methods and consequences.

  Fix itClarify that McCarthyism involved specific tactics, such as public accusations and hearings, which created a culture of fear distinct from general anti-communist attitudes.

• Confusing the Cold War with World War II

  Students often conflate events and policies from the Cold War with those from World War II.

  Fix itFocus on the distinct ideological and geopolitical differences that define the Cold War era, particularly the post-1945 context.

• Overgeneralizing the Civil Rights Movement

  Students often describe the Civil Rights Movement as a single event rather than a series of interconnected actions and campaigns.

  Fix itRecognize the movement's complexity, including various organizations, leaders, and events that contributed to its goals and achievements.